Apple, Microsoft and the Innovation Delusion

I got a note from a guy a few days ago who said he had an idea that would transform Microsoft, and he wanted me to introduce him to Bill Gates. I don't do that, but it got me thinking. Given that both Apple and Microsoft are based on ideas that came from outside, there is irony in the fact that both firms now have a massive wall between them and outside ideas. You'd think they would have worked on a way to allow ideas to flow in like water, particularly since both are taking criticism for not being innovative enough right now.