Microsoft Way: A Growth Strategy

With a unique operating system and software solution, Microsoft has created a big revolution in the software industry. Microsoft has invented Microsoft Window allowing the company to gain market share. Today, Bill Gates has become the role model for many entrepreneurs across the world for his leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft s mission has been to continually advance and improve software technology, and to make it easier, more cost-effective and more enjoyable for people to use computers. Microsoft’s business strategy has mainly focused on development of a broad line of software products for information technology (IT) professionals, knowledge workers, developers and consumers, marketed through multiple channels of distribution. Microsoft also involves various business activities, including licensing consumer software programs, selling hardware devices, providing consulting services and researches, and develops advanced technologies for future software products. Microsoft was attempting integrating everything from software to hardware to services in a particular market with the expansion into various new businesses like video gaming and music industry. After experiencing the video game industry, Microsoft wanted to leverage its competencies and resources in the portable music industry. Microsoft has footholds in other markets besides operating systems and office suites, with assets such as the MSNBC cable television network, the MSN Internet portal, and the Microsoft Encarta multimedia encyclopedia. The company also markets both computer hardware products such as the Microsoft mouse and home entertainment products such as the Xbox, Xbox 360, Zune and MSN TV. The book highlights the Microsoft evolution, various business strategies successfully implemented by Microsoft & issues and challenges on the road to success.