I guess I can see where they're coming from, if your business is in, say, retail, then no, Microsoft is not directly competing with you.
On the other hand they sell or produce software of pretty much every form and function (operating systems, games, CRM, databases, VoIP, spreadsheets, IDEs), and quite a range of hardware (Xbox, Surface, mice, keyboards, maybe still phones?). So really, there's a good chance that they are already competing with our hypothetical business.
Still, I'd be less worried by MS than Amazon. Amazon will do their best to put you out of business by undercutting your entire market. If MS see you as a threat they'll buy you up and can your product.
I know which I'd prefer.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
