Open Ananlysis: Microsoft tough 2012 ?

BabuK · 2013-01-04T18:04:55+00:00

NEWS ANALYSIS: Microsoft didnt have the best 2012. And many of its troubles can be attributed to several products both it released and others that competitors introduced. Microsoft had a tough year. The software giant launched two major operating systemsWindows 8 and Windows Phone 8and was constantly battling with Google over applications and services on the Web.However, those efforts proved fruitless as these products have yet to show that they are going to produce new large scale growth in their respective markets. Whats more, consumers who saw more to like elsewhere largely ignored Microsofts tablet, the Surface RT.Still, its own products didnt only cause Microsofts troubles. The software giant is facing more competition now than ever. Companies like Apple, Nokia, and Sony are causing it a lot of headaches. Despite Microsofts ability to continue to generate billions of dollars each quarter, the company is walking into 2013 in a worse competitive position than it was in when it entered 2012.Unless it addresses its issues and finds a way to stymie its competitors growth, Microsoft could eventually find itself marginalized in markets such as PC operating systems and applications that it has long dominated. Until then, lets focus on the products that have caused Microsoft some trouble in 2012. Check out the roundup: 1. Windows 8Windows 8 was supposed to be the operating system that would welcome the world to Microsofts new design philosophy. Instead, the operating system has been criticized for having a steep learning curve and hasnt produced the rapid uptake in sales and upgrades that Microsoft expected. That better change in 2013.2. Windows Phone 8Windows Phone 8 is a major step up over Windows Phone 7. However, the operating system owns an extremely small slice of the mobile space. Microsoft says that things will change once more Windows Phone handsets are shown off at CES in January and the Mobile World Congress in February. But most analysts agree that the companys software wont nab double-digit share for at least the next few years.3. AndroidSo, why is Windows Phone having such trouble? Blame it on Android. That operating system owned 75 percent of the mobile space in the third quarter and is expected to have about as much ownership in the fourth quarter. Whats worse for Microsoft, its expected to be dominant for the foreseeable future.4. Google Apps for BusinessMicrosoft at one time unquestionably dominated the office email space with Outlook. However, Google has made serious inroads with its Apps for Business suite, which includes Gmail, Calendar, and collaboration tools. Microsoft has tried to respond with Outlook.com and Office 365, but its not clear those solutions will fend off Google cloud application challenge 5. iPad Apples iPad is the top tablet on the market. And its success is what prompted Microsoft to try its own chances in that space with the Surface. However, the Surface hasnt been selling very well and Apples slate is hugely popular. Until Microsoft can respond to the iPad with something that appeals to customers, it will be inconsequential in the tablet space. 6. iPhone Apples iPhone is another major thorn in Steve Ballmers side. That device is selling like gangbusters and so far, no other device, save for the Samsung Galaxy S III, has come even close to matching it. Theres talk that Microsoft might unveil a smartphone in 2013, but if it does, will it be able to compete with the iPhone?

Thread starter BabuK
Start date Jan 4, 2013

BabuK

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Open Ananlysis: Microsoft tough 2012 ?

BabuK

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