In reading about the Microsoft-Yahoo! merger proceedings, I stepped across this line describing Microsoft.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. (emphasis mine) I know this is 98% marketing hype, but does that belong in a statement like this? And if it weren't hype, then what it suggests is quite bogus. It suggests, at least at one level, that without their software, services, and solutions that you might not ever reach your full potential. That with Linux, or a Mac, or someone else's word processor, you're simply not going to be all you can be, because, well, they've designed their software in such a way to pull out your best. I like this explanation, as it clearly gives a reason for why they make such bloated software, that many times has begged the question "who designed this this way?" from me. While annoying at the time, it was simply their great ploy at figuring out how to get my "wheels spinning" so to say, inspiring me with my creative thoughts, number keeping, and lofty presentation ideas. Thanks!