Strategic Thinking and Planning at Microsoft Company - Case Study Example

STRATEGIC THINKING AND PLANNING AT MICROSOFT COMPANY STUDENT’S NAME: INSTITUTION: INSTRUCTOR’S NAME: DATE: Key Strategic Responses To invent more personal computing The invention of an operating system Windows 10; as the technology advances, there is need to empower individual through guaranteed security. Microsoft company with the invention of Windows 10 is aimed at ensuring individuals and organizations can appreciate the features that the Windows have .windows 10 is a more advanced software system that allows multiple features to appear on the computer and therefore enabling an individual to access these services faster. The combination of these services makes Windows ten a unique operating system which is more advanced and fast, hence fetching profits for the company. In this case, Microsoft aims at ensuring people can use this operating system which will be more advanced. Marketing the operating system; Microsoft is currently marketing its operating system, and it is currently being used in desktop and laptops.Microsoft focuses on ensuring that the operating system is enhanced in tablets and Android phones so that people can access the services. So far, the operating system is being purchased and installed by individuals and organizations. The Windows 10 performs faster hence increasing the demand .the features such as cortana, start menu, xbox streaming, enhancement, edge browser, hololens and continuum modes are desirable features that an individual would love in their gadgets. Microsoft Company, therefore, ensures that its clients and customers get the Windows ten anywhere and therefore providing a free upgrade for the operating system. To build a cloud platform that is more intelligent The cloud platform invented by Microsoft is efficient in terms of speed, cost effective and it integrates applications and data usage. Microsoft Azure is the cloud platform invented to enable technology users to experience a more advanced method of operating their computers. Azure enhances a wide area of operating systems, frameworks, devices and databases, languages in programming and tools. The cloud service provided by Azure enhances all other technologies which the information technology experts rely on. Azure is more intelligent in the sense that it easily integrates with the existing information technology environment by providing a more secure and large network connections. Azure is more intelligent even with decisions as it is enhanced with analytic services that are used to redefine intelligent decisions in businesses. Microsoft Company is currently creating awareness on the importance of using Azure as the best cloud platform. The charges for the use are cost friendly since one will only pay for what they use, the billing is made per minute, and the termination fees are not included. The company is influencing clients and customers for the purpose of wider coverage on the use the cloud platform. The cloud platform has been rated the best by the users the more it will be embraced, the more intelligent and advanced will be decisions made, and the result will be a faster and cost friendly internet businesses. To improve on its business and productivity processes Through empowering people, industries and organizations, the use of cloud system that is more fast and efficient has improved business and productivity especially in decisions and the impressive results outcomes. The use of cloud on mobile phones will multiply the rate at which individuals and organizations perform their enterprise activities. The intelligent services provided by the cloud technology has been adopted by most organizations in the sense that it enables employees to work together to provide excellent customer services. Handling financial activities have been a difficult task but not with a company that has embraced the use of Microsoft cloud services. It has provided financial solutions and enhanced customer interactions with employees and boosts the productivity. The company can be able to track the performance of the employees easily with the use of the cloud service. Extensive security on cyber crimes has been beefed by Microsoft cloud service. Companies and organizations have benefited from the detective service provided by the cloud system, businesses and enterprise can operate without the fear of their data being hacked. Due to the escalating cyber crimes, the cloud is enhanced with detective technology that will be able to detect and eliminate any threat that will interfere with the property of an organization. Malware is another threat to most organizations and individuals who rely on the internet. Cloud service detects and fights against malware. Virtual conferences and meetings will be enhanced through the use of Microsoft cloud service. Productivity on enterprises will be enhanced since it will be easier to conduct a meeting and make strategies on expanding businesses especially by partners and this is a strong impact on customer satisfaction. The logic of strategic plan Pearce and Robinson (1997) define strategic responses, as the set of decisions and actions that result in the formalization and implementation of plans designed to achieve a firm's objectives. It is thus a reaction to what is happening in the environment of organizations. Operational responses issues are concerned with setting broad policies and plans for using the resources of a firm to best support its long-term competitive strategy. The strategic responses that Microsoft Company has are in line with the advancement of technology and competitive environment that is experienced through more innovative ideas. According to Hitt,Ireland & Hoskisson, (2013) the strategic responses for Microsoft Company will be of benefit if implemented and embraced by people and organizations globally. With the growing competition, there is a need to innovate ideas that will drive the world to a more technology advanced level. Take for example the strategy ‘to improve on its business and productivity process’, the world would not be better without technology regarding business and productivity. I am of the fact that Microsoft has enabled various money making activities take place through the use of technology and especially a more advanced cloud operating system. In line with the vision and mission of the company, there is a need to eliminate obstacles especially to the people with disabilities. People and organizations have been assured of security against malware and cyber crimes which will contribute to a faster and cost effective way of conducting businesses, and this is to the advantage of people with disability Dorf (1998). The invention of personal computing by Microsoft was a step ahead in attaining a competitive strategy. Windows 10 is now being used by people globally, and it is proving to be the best operating system. I am more concerned about the efficiency of the operating system and how the clients will be able to embrace this unique feature. The strategic response is to ensure there is a wider use of the system, and therefore, the Microsoft marketing team is working to ensure that the system is enhanced in the Android phones and tablets. Windows phones are being advanced therefore enabling a wide coverage and use of the system Porter (1998). Davenport (1997) points out that the world needs an environment in which it can be able to trust when it comes to internet and cloud computing. Analyzing the strategic responses of Microsoft and the impact presented by the outcome of implementation process proves to be beneficial. Taking a look at the Microsoft Azure cloud service and the level of technology used by organizations provides a clear indication that the future of technology is impressive. Microsoft and the strategic responses correspond to the vision, mission and core values of the company. In conclusion, the key strategic responses of Microsoft are outlined through analysis of the internal and external environment, and the SWOT analysis. It is essential for the company to implement these strategies so as to remain at the same pace with technology revolution globally. References Pearce, lA. and Robinson Jr R.B. (1997), Strategic Management: Formulation, Implementation and Control, Irwin Boston Porter M.E. (1998), Techniques of Analyzing Industries and Competitors: Competitive Strategy, The Free Press, New York Davenport, T.H. (1997). Knowledge Management at Microsoft. Retreived from http://www.bus.utexas.edu/kman/microsoft.htm Hitt, M., Ireland, R. & Hoskisson, R. (2013). Strategic management : competitiveness & globalization. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Ichbiah, D. & Knepper, S. (1991). The making of Microsoft : how Bill Gates and his team created the world's most successful software company. Rocklin, CA: Prima Pub. Read More