Swot Analysis
Strengths
Applications and operations divisions along with recently created online service network divisions (MSN)
Flexible workforce through contingent workers for seasonal/cyclical projects
Loyal, hardworking, and diverse workforce (20% minority, 26% women) who, in addition to good compensation, have an opportunity to do well financially through stock purchases
Multinational corporation operating through regional subsidiaries to minimize cultural differences in more than 60 countries
New product, Neptune , is a Window's interface and is an example of smart software
Relatively rapid product development processes that allow for timely updating and release of new products
Revenues and profits rising at 30% a year with merger/acquisition or investment in 92 companies over past five years
Software products have high name recognition, broad-based corporate and consumer acceptance (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and numerous powerful features that are in use worldwide, thereby promoting standardization and competitive advantage through their ease of integration and cost-effectiveness
Top rating from Fortune for best company to work at and most admired company
Windows 95, 98, 2000 series, and Windows NT are globally known as the PC desktop operating system with a market share of about 88%
World's largest software company with global name recognition and strong reputation for innovative products
Weaknesses
Between 1990-1995, Microsoft leadership failed to correctly anticipate the growth or popularity of the Internet
Bill Gates has become Microsoft's chief software architect but has not yet developed a substantially new line of products
Dependency on hardware manufacturers to pre-install Microsoft's PC operating system
Downside of product launches and deadlines contributes substantially to employee...
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