Microsoft has been a publicity punching bag lately. Here’s a great article about a few internal business practices at Microsoft that are being scrutinized.
They can’t seem to get out of the way of someone blaming them for not being something else (ie. Apple, manufacturers, saviors of the free world, etc). Come on…billions and billions of revenue and business practices that run so deep into consumer’s technology, they were deemed a violation of US antitrust laws.
Hmm…well, that was yesterday. What have you done for me lately?
The lately that is being talked about is mobile/social/SaaS solutions/etc.
Or, another way of saying it: What is Microsoft’s plan for products and services that today’s and tomorrow’s consumers seem to be wanting.
Remember, no consumer said they wanted an iPad. In fact, the concept for the App Store was nearly scrapped by then CEO Steve Jobs. Apple created a product/service (ie. supply) based on what they believed would be a “post PC” era (ie. demand). That innovation is now worth B’s to their bottom line.
What does this have to do with your business?
I would argue everything.
The success and business model that brought you to where you are today will not survive.
After reading the article that is describing Microsoft’s downfall what can you do to continue to innovate? Thrive? Test? Experiment?
You may not know the answer to these questions, but the first step is to realize that what got you here isn’t going to be enough to keep you successful moving forward.
