why wouldn’t microsoft make a portal and do 0%. they get all of the market share and analytics and good will, plus the value of being the main “other” store. they can break even on hosting fees with some ads
Because breaking even isn't stocks going up and to the right. If shareholders aren't seeing good returns on building a portal, it isn't gonna be a good time. That is true for most of these companies. Good will and analytics alone isn't enough for investors.