STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Strategic Analysis: Microsoft



Strategic Analysis: Microsoft

Introduction

Microsoft Corporation is a worldwide company that creates and supplies several different software packages, maintains a number of Internet sites, and develops computer hardware. Microsoft is the largest supplier of computer software in the world, known by software bundles including the infamous operating system Windows XP (Pro and Home editions), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (for programmers). The company has thrived on its ability to develop innovative software, and has become known for stable and reliable operating systems for use with a personal computer. Microsoft has also developed server-side software, called Windows Server 2003, to serve corporations and governmental organizations. (For further information about the company see appendix)

Strategic Evaluation

Microsoft supports a number of values that translate into goals that the company strives to attain. These goals include doing business with honesty and integrity; to have passion for customers, partners, and technology; to be open and respectful, to take on big challenges and see through them; constructive self-criticism, self-improvement, and personal excellence; to help foster growth and innovation, and to be accountable to customers, shareholders, partners, and employees for commitments, results, and quality. These goals, however, are immeasurable, intangible, and unspecific. There is no timeline for achieving them, and no way to determine whether or not they have been achieved. (Microsoft, 2006)

Functional Review

Marketing Analysis

Microsoft focuses on the development of software, which includes products such as Office, Project, Visio, FoxPro, and more. The software packages aide in the creation of business documents, databases, and projects, as well as helps consumers manage their day-to-day lives.

This division releases a major change in software every two to three years. Microsoft Business Solutions deals primarily with "developing and marketing offerings to manage financial, customer relationship and supply chain management functions for small and midsize businesses, large organizations and divisions of global enterprises. MSN is accountable for delivering online services that look to empower users by bringing them to the people and information that matter most. The Mobile and Embedded Devices section is responsible for the marketing and development of products that extend the advantages of the Windows platform to many types of devices. The Home and Entertainment segment is in charge of production, development, and marketing for the Xbox video gaming system (SEC, 2006).

Another strategy Microsoft is pursuing involves meeting its global clientele where they are in terms of their economic and financial needs (Evers, 2006). These changes in strategy and products reflect Microsoft's goal of expanding its target market. While there is risk involved with these changes, there is also the potential for returns above a normal profit.

Another way Microsoft is continuing to broaden their customer base is by establishing itself into the gaming industry. An example of this is the innovative Xbox 360 Microsoft launched during the 2005 Christmas season. Microsoft has begun to explore new markets, like television, with the rising success of the Xbox 360 and the changing demographics. Microsoft realizes that demographics are changing to a younger generation and ...