How Microsoft Needs to Innovate to Keep up with the Times

Microsoft No Longer Holds Dominant Position

This year is the 20th anniversary year of Windows 98. When this OS released, Microsoft was at the top of the world. Since the Windows operating system was suitable for most personal computers and laptops, the market was growing rapidly. And its competitors like Linux and Mac OS were only installed on a fringe of PCs.

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However, times change, especially in the technology industry and today’s landscape is different. Although Windows OS continues to be quite successful with Windows 10 installation on 400 million devices all over the world, Microsoft no longer holds the dominant position as it was once.

Microsoft’s long-time competitor, Apple, has got spectacular achievement in the past 20 years, for example, its iMac and MacBook series become an important player in the PC market once again. At the same time, Apple’s mobile devices, iPhone and iPad, are far more innovative and successful than Microsoft, which helps Apple to overtake Microsoft in brand value.

Besides, the use of Linux also keeps growing and it plays an important role in the world’s most popular OS. Although it hasn’t held the desktop dominance to trouble Windows, it is slowly chipping away at the leading position of Microsoft by offering more professional and feature-rich experiences than ever before and tempting persons who are tired of the way that Microsoft does things.

What’s more, new competitors like Google and Amazon appear are challenging Microsoft. And as it turns out, these companies are more innovative and nimble when referring to the customers’ changing needs.

Well then, what does Microsoft need to do so that it can regain the top place and stay up-to-date? Here is the Microsoft innovation strategy.

How Microsoft Needs to Innovate

Embrace What It Is

Microsoft seems to be focusing on its competitors and trying to emulate their successes, which is one of the most frustrating things about Microsoft, for example, Microsoft’s smartphones aped Apple’s iPhones, Bing is Microsoft’s answer to Google, etc. As a result, it fails to enjoy the success.

This shows that this company should look at what it excels at: cloud services, operating systems, and office products instead of copying the competition. And these are the biggest revenue generators for Microsoft so far.

Microsoft can make sure that it continues to keep relevant by focusing on its strengths and innovating in those areas. There are signs that Microsoft is learning this.

For instance, Microsoft moves to a subscription service for Office 365 and continually keeps Windows 10 update with new features. This indicates this company can think outside of the box when referring to its biggest products.

Understand How Computing Use Is Changing

The way to use devices, and modern computers have changed drastically over the past 20 years and they will keep changing in the future. Then, Microsoft has to stay ahead of the curve and understand how to meet the changing needs of its customers. And it needs to be bold in its innovation of new products.

Recently, Microsoft was interested in virtual reality and augmented reality, and Windows 10 introduced the concept of Mixed Reality. But, this company took a frustratingly hands-off method to let Asus and Acer build their own headsets rather than fully embracing Mixed Reality and transforming Windows 10 into a truly innovative OS for a new computing way.

Meanwhile, an easily missed -app is included in Windows 10’s support of Mixed Reality. This app offers Windows 10 features in a confusing VR space.

If Microsoft has created its own Surface headset, things could be different. This may show what the hardware is capable of and inspires manufacturers to come up with innovative competitors.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, no matter what happens in the future, Microsoft should take chances to put its stamp on emerging technology. Microsoft new innovations are very important for its development.