Microsoft Case Study

Contents

Section 1 - Strategy 3

Business Summary 4

SWOT Analysis 4

Vision (Describe the business in the next 3-5 years) 4

Mission Statement 5

Corporate Values 5

Business Objectives 5

Key Strategies 5

Section 2 – Core Competencies 5

Section 3 – Industry Dynamics 6

Section 4 – Technology Sourcing & Internal Innovation 6

Section 5 – Product Development Strategy 6

Section 6 – Strategy to Protect Innovations 7

Section 7 – Bibliography 7

Strategy

Microsoft develops software to find creative solutions to business problems and people requirements, develop breakthrough ideas, and stay connected to what's most important to present world1.

There are five divisions working to achieve their Strategy goals, which are describe below:

1) Windows and Windows live division: This division includes the Windows product family and is responsible for Microsoft's relationships with personal computer manufacturers as well as online software and services through Windows Live. Windows & Windows Live Division ("Windows Division") offerings consist of premium and standard edition Windows operating systems and online software and services through Windows Live.

2) Server and Tools: Server and Tools licenses products, applications, tools, content, and delivers Enterprise Services, all of which are designed to make information technology professionals, developers and their systems more productive and efficient. Software server products, services and solutions, including: Windows Server operating system, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, Silverlight, System Center products, Forefront security products, Biz Talk Server, and Microsoft Consulting Services.

3) Online Services Division: Consists of an online advertising platform with offerings for publishers and advertisers, and online information offerings such as Bing and the MSN portals and channels. On December 4, 2009, Microsoft entered into a definitive agreement with Yahoo! whereby Microsoft will provide the exclusive algorithmic and paid search platform for Yahoo! Web sites

4) Microsoft Business Division: Microsoft Business Division ("MBD") offerings consist of the Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Dynamics business solutions. MBD includes the Microsoft Office suites, desktop programs, servers, and services and solutions; Microsoft