Let's play this by the numbers..

Comments

# Kurt Brockett said:

I can't fault the Adobe folks for calling out Mozilla on a "world record attempt".  When you prop yourself up like that it's an easy target for everyone to come out with their numbers.  The Flash download numbers are pretty large and I know they play a part in the technology decisions of others.  I do agree with you though that a standard number to be used would be good.

They all have variations so they are actually not all quoting the same number.  When numbers get that big it's hard to nail down what the number is right when you need it for a comment.

Heck I still use 1.5 million downloads a day for SL that was quoted at MIX08.  Have an updated number for us that can be put out in some type of officially terms?

Kurt

30 May 08 at 1:28 PM

# scbarnes said:

Kurt,

Agreed.. but the point is we are consistent across the board in that number. If you're going to start shouting numbers, make sure you're all aligned.

It boils down to the fact Adobe just don't know and one can argue the point, but ultimately its high we all agree but to what degree in height, well that's just a mystery number..

4500 samples of folks whom speak english only and vary in flash player iterations is a good guess though.. but lets be clear, its a guestimation not an accurate line in the sand.

1.5million was the average at the time of MIX, i suspect its gotten a lot higher but when we are ready to release that next number, we'll at least be consistent about it...

Scott.

30 May 08 at 3:13 PM

# Phillip Kerman said:

I don't see the inconsistency: Ben says they average 6 mil and they'v e had days they've publicly stated 10 mil... Ryan says the average is 8 million.  And Ted says spikes in 14-25 million.  The only inconsistency are the averages mentioned by Ben and Ryan... but Ben was saying his average was based on the last 5 months.  Show me where this is not accurate.

In fact, while you're at it, maybe you can point people to the stats on Silverlight.  (Don't quote numbers--just point to where the stats are shown.)

02 June 08 at 11:06 AM

# scbarnes said:

I'm confused Phillip? You don't see the inconsistencies and then you go on to say that Ben and Ryan were inconsistent? *double look*.. "...The prosecution rests your honour.."

We don't get into the benchmark games with Adobe (as it triggers fights, someone cries and nothing gets resolved).

That being said, I sit down the hall for one of the guys whom handled the Adobe Penetration Analysis (now works for us) and it's a got a scary story associated to it. Thus I suspect why we don't follow the same methodology. Hey, it works for Adobe and I don't fault them for capitalizing on it, as a good number to promote is good for one and all.

That being said, our last public release of the "stats" were:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/apr08/04-14SilverlightContentPR.mspx

We previously reported an average of 1.5 million downloads per day, this however, doesn't count other distribution models (ie We announced a relationship with HP to ship the Microsoft Live ToolBar on all new consumer machines, which also has Silverlight installed).

All the best.

Scott.

02 June 08 at 2:43 PM

# Phillip Kerman said:

The whole sentence included the point that Ben was only referring to the last 5 months.  You've got to figure that it goes up a few ticks every time you make a post pointing people to them.   I work down the hall from the guy who does your stats and he said he just made it up.

03 June 08 at 8:21 PM

# scbarnes said:

Eh?

04 June 08 at 4:23 AM

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