Just after the company’s reorganization, Acer said it is focusing more on software and cloud services to revive its struggling PC business.  However, outside observers, including myself, are calling this a desperate move that won’t end well.

The trouble with “go cloud quickly” strategies is that they never work.    The fact that Acer pulled this out now would be a bit concerning to me, were I working there.     If you’re not a fast follower, you’re a last follower, and thus look weak and strategically challenged.

To carry out its plan, Acer said it will develop so-called “Build Your Own Cloud” products that will work on its notebooks, tablets, and smartphones, and enable users to store and share content between devices.   Hmmmm.  Let’s see where I heard that one before?   Oh yeah, from everyone else.  Including Apple, Google, etc..  It’s been done.

I suspect that Acer will have a hard time of it, if that’s the best they can come up with.    Perhaps they should fix their traditional business before trying to jump in front of the cloud computing parade.