Microsoft Domination in the Worldwide Software Market - Essay Example

From the information gathered and generated by Software Top100 and as reported by van Kooten and Verberne (2009), there have been fastest growing software companies that aimed to compete and even topple the leadership position nestled by Microsoft. From among the fastest-growing software companies noted, Google (headquartered in the USA) topped the list with a remarkable growth rate of 455%; followed by Kaspersky (from Russia) at a growth rate of 177%; and third by Nintendo (of Japan) with a reported growth rate of 113% (1). The table below would supports that competition within the software industry sector has reflected intense pressure:
The lure for financial growth in terms of sales revenues, net profits, and vast opportunities offered by the fast developments that technological applications and software development have reflected paved the way for increased competition, as seen. Further, the report of van Kooten (2011) revealed that the number of entrants and also departures from this sector also prove that stiff competitive pressures either make or break the existence, sustenance, and continued support for software companies. In addition, just like in other fast-moving industries and sectors, especially within the technological development and applications industry, some industry players apply diverse corporate strategies to fight for market shares. Some large organizations decide to acquire other smaller companies to expand market share and improve their ranks within the industry sector. For instance, as averred by van Kooten, “Intergraph (#69) for instance was recently bought by Swedish company Hexagon, and will not return in the 2012 list” (2011, par. 10). This just proves that even with this degree of dominance by one firm (Microsoft), the software sub-industry has truly been competitive, particularly over the past decade. Read More