Question

Develop a 1,250 word analysis responding to the following questions:

Do some web research on Microsoft's history and associated strategy development. Using the frameworks in Exhibit 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of Microsoft's strategy as it has evolved over the past decades. Where have they excelled strategically? Where have they faltered in relation to other competitors? What might be some reasons why they may have gotten a late start in certain markets?

Answer 1

Microsoft has done a massive shift in its corporate strategy recently which will allow it to "innovate with greater speed, efficiency and capability.'' The strategy seems to have an outline "One Microsoft."

A-1)

Strengths of Microsoft's Strategy:

1- It is releasing and fixing products like a Modern Cloud Company- The company has reduced its shipping update time period from months to weeks. Products that may have been in development for years are being deployed and getting updated. Its also paying attention to customer's issue and feedback. Ex- Enabling Cortana to work on a locked computer screen.

2- It is driving the evolution of Web and computing interfaces- Microsoft is focusing more on the next generation of the Internet and computing with services such as Azure IoT, The BOT framework, Machine learning APIs and Virtual reality solutions.

3- Conversations as a Platform (CaaP) are the new and improved Chat bots.

4- Universal Availability

5- Use of Corporate graph to enhance services- Microsoft has opened access to the business behavior through its Office 365 and Azure portfolio of services.Thus it can gain valuable insight into overall corporate trends by using aggregate business data.

Weaknesses of Microsoft's Strategy:

The core weakness is its overexposure to PC market- The worldwide PC Shipment has fallen 2.4% annually this year, due to vendors raising prices overseas to offset the currency fluctuations.

A-2)

They have excelled strategically in certain fields like- Productivity, Simplicity, Popularity and Communication.

Microsoft operate more efficiently so the user can be more productive. Each of the MS office components is user friendly and includes easy-to-access help files built right in. Also One can communicate and collaborate more effectively with the microsoft tools.

A-3)

They have faltered in some areas in relation to other competitors- Microsoft smart phones are not as good as other smart phones basing on the features its providing to customers. Apple, Samsung and some other companies are still dominant in the market.

A-4)

Reason for getting a late start in certain markets are-

Lack of focus on the Smartphones.

No Unique features of its own company or software.

Limited access to certain Apps.