Swot Analysis of Microsoft Corporation
Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft became the most powerful force in today 's software industry, earning a significant place in technology history.
StrengthMicrosoft has developed a customer base of 30 million people. Its reputation was built on the successful development of its computer software-the Windows line of products. The breadth of their businesses and product portfolio is a competitive advantageThroughout last fiscal year, Microsoft made important adjustments to the cost structure and streamlined internal business processes; along with strong pipeline of products, including new release of Windows and Office in 2010, Microsoft is well positioned to weather the current economic downturn.
Due to decreased costs for legal settlements, Microsoft 's legal expenses decreased $1.4 billion this year. This illustrates improved corporate image, which causes improvement in staff motivation and morale, along with the increase in customer loyalty.
WeaknessMicrosoft lacks a strong service support center on the Internet. Since problems must be solved rapidly to achieve efficiency, this will erode the integrity and quality perceived by consumers on Microsoft products.
Chris Liddell 's (Microsoft 's exceptionally adept CFO) recent departure is a huge loss. He managed Microsoft 's finances in better times and bad, overseeing difficult cost cutting as global economic crisis weakened software sales. Liddell has great relationship with Wall Street analysts and had continually offered conservative guidance to them until January 2009.
By withholding guidance, Microsoft let rumors determine perceptions about its performances. Conversely, Apple continued to release guidance and-combined with product launches-generated positive perceptions, which lifted Apple 's share price to new heights. During Window 7 's October launch, Microsoft lost opportunity to create positive perceptions on Wall Street.
OpportunitiesPoliticalMicrosoft 's offices in developing
StrengthMicrosoft has developed a customer base of 30 million people. Its reputation was built on the successful development of its computer software-the Windows line of products. The breadth of their businesses and product portfolio is a competitive advantageThroughout last fiscal year, Microsoft made important adjustments to the cost structure and streamlined internal business processes; along with strong pipeline of products, including new release of Windows and Office in 2010, Microsoft is well positioned to weather the current economic downturn.
Due to decreased costs for legal settlements, Microsoft 's legal expenses decreased $1.4 billion this year. This illustrates improved corporate image, which causes improvement in staff motivation and morale, along with the increase in customer loyalty.
WeaknessMicrosoft lacks a strong service support center on the Internet. Since problems must be solved rapidly to achieve efficiency, this will erode the integrity and quality perceived by consumers on Microsoft products.
Chris Liddell 's (Microsoft 's exceptionally adept CFO) recent departure is a huge loss. He managed Microsoft 's finances in better times and bad, overseeing difficult cost cutting as global economic crisis weakened software sales. Liddell has great relationship with Wall Street analysts and had continually offered conservative guidance to them until January 2009.
By withholding guidance, Microsoft let rumors determine perceptions about its performances. Conversely, Apple continued to release guidance and-combined with product launches-generated positive perceptions, which lifted Apple 's share price to new heights. During Window 7 's October launch, Microsoft lost opportunity to create positive perceptions on Wall Street.
OpportunitiesPoliticalMicrosoft 's offices in developing
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