Introduction
Microsoft is a multinational technology corporation that has, for many years, been dedicated to delivering cutting-edge goods and services to its clientele. The company’s annual report provides evidence that it has a deliberate strategy to become a leader in its customers’ digital transformation, with a primary emphasis on accelerating innovation and driving growth. The strategy was developed to achieve the company’s goal of becoming a market innovator. Its approach is always in the form of innovative cloud computing services, cutting-edge educational solutions that help students remain connected and involved, and unwavering dedication to providing excellent customer support and satisfaction. This essay will discuss the aspects of Microsoft’s planned and realized strategy, as detailed in the company’s annual report and as experienced by customers.
Characteristics of Microsoft’s Intended Deliberate Strategy
Cloud Computing Services
Microsoft is focused on delivering cloud computing services to its customers, allowing them to access data, applications, and services from any device at any time. This is done through the Azure platform, which is a comprehensive cloud services platform that is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Microsoft also offers cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services to help customers unlock insights from their data.
Advanced Educational Solutions
Microsoft has developed products that help students stay connected and engaged in their education. Microsoft Teams, which allows students to collaborate on projects, is one example of how the company is utilizing technology to boost student success. Additionally, Microsoft offers an array of resources in the form of free training and certification programs, allowing students to become certified in technologies such as Azure and Microsoft Office.
Accelerating Innovation
Microsoft is focused on accelerating innovation, with a goal of providing customers with products and services that are ahead of the curve. To do this, Microsoft invests heavily in research and development, ensuring that new products and services are developed quickly and efficiently. Microsoft also invests in partnerships with other companies, allowing them to leverage the expertise of other industry leaders in order to create innovative solutions.
Driving Growth
Microsoft works to ensure that its products and services are constantly evolving and improving in order to meet the needs of customers. The company has a strategy of leveraging its platform and ecosystem to drive growth and create new opportunities. This is done through strategic investments, partnerships, and acquisitions to ensure that the company is able to provide customers with the best possible products and services.
Customer Support and Satisfaction
Microsoft places a high priority on ensuring the complete happiness and contentment of its clientele by offering superior customer service. The organization has made it a priority to provide prompt and effective responses to questions and comments raised by customers. In addition, Microsoft has made significant investments in a variety of customer support technologies, such as chatbots and virtual agents, to make it simpler and more expedient for consumers to get the information they want.
Characteristics of Microsoft’s Realized Strategy as Experienced by Customers
Open Source Contributions
Microsoft has been committed to providing open-source contributions to the development community. This includes the open source projects hosted on GitHub, which allow developers to access and use Microsoft’s code. Additionally, the company has invested in open-source education initiatives and has sponsored open-source conferences and events. This commitment to open source has allowed customers to benefit from Microsoft’s expertise and has helped to create a more vibrant and innovative development community.
Cyber security Solutions
Microsoft provides its clients with a variety of solutions for cyber security, with the goal of assisting them in protecting their data and systems. This entails not just an array of security-related products and services, such as Windows Defender and the Azure Security Center, but also an extensive array of consulting services and educational programs. These products are intended to assist clients in guarding their data and systems against intrusions and other forms of harm caused by hostile actors.
Automation Solutions
The company has developed a range of automation solutions to help customers increase productivity and reduce costs. This comprises of Microsoft Automation Platform, which is a cloud-based platform that enables customers to automate their processes and workflows. It also offers a range of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions to help customers streamline their operations and increase efficiency.
Digital Transformation
The company has a goal of helping customers achieve digital transformation. It offers consulting services to help customers develop their digital strategies and leverage the company’s platform and ecosystem to create innovative solutions. The company has also invested in digital transformation initiatives, such as the Microsoft AI for Good program, to help customers make the most of their data and technology.
Business Solutions
Microsoft provides a range of business solutions to help customers succeed in their respective industries. It offers products such as Dynamics 365, which is a suite of enterprise applications designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their operations. The company also provides a range of business intelligence and analytics solutions to help customers gain insights and make informed decisions.
Sustainability
Microsoft is committed to sustainability and has invested in efforts to reduce its environmental impact. This comprises investing in renewable energy sources and carbon offset projects, as well as developing products and services that are designed to be more sustainable. The company is likewise committed to responsible and ethical business practices, such as providing safe and secure products for customers and ethical sourcing of materials.
How Microsoft Has Achieved Its Strategic Goals
Microsoft Company has been successful in accomplishing its strategic objectives because of the investments it has made in research and development, as well as the dedication it has made to developing cutting-edge goods and services tailored to individual customers’ requirements. It has also been possible for the firm to form strategic collaborations with other businesses, such as the one that was just recently announced with Adobe. These agreements have allowed the company to broaden its range of goods and services and attract new clients. Additionally, Microsoft has successfully grown its client base by selling its goods and services to new areas, such as the education sector (Chen et al., 2020). This strategy has allowed the company to extend its customer base. These investments have enabled the firm to maintain its position as a leader in the digital transformation of its clients and to maintain a position of advantage over its rivals.
Microsoft has made it one of its primary goals to foster an environment inside the firm that fosters creative expression and fosters group efforts to find solutions to problems in order to increase the likelihood that the company will continue to be successful. This choice has resulted in a significant amount of favorable outcomes. Because of the company’s commitment to its workers, it has been able to effectively build a robust and diverse staff that is motivated, creative, and eager to deliver innovative goods and services. All of this is a direct result of the company’s commitment in its employees (Aula & Mantere, 2020). The firm has been able to maintain its position as the market leader in digitally changing its consumers because of its dedication to both innovation and cooperation. This has allowed the company to remain one step ahead of its rivals and sustain its position as the industry leader. In addition to this, it has managed to keep its position as the industry leader.
As a direct result of this, Microsoft Company has conceived of a strategic plan to become a market leader in the digital transformation of their clients. The speed of invention is going to be sped up as part of this strategy, and the creation of new firms is going to be encouraged as well. Customers always have the opportunity to observe this strategy firsthand in the form of the cutting-edge educational solutions that are offered to help students stay connected and involved, as well as the unwavering commitment that the company has to provide excellent customer support and satisfaction (“Annual Report, 2021”). Because of the firm’s dedication to investing resources in research and development, building strategic alliances, and establishing a culture that supports creative expression and collaboration among workers, the business was able to effectively realize its long-term objectives.
Summary Results of Operation
The Impact of Microsoft’s Strategy on Customers
The fact that Microsoft is still growing and having success demonstrates that the company’s strategy has been effective in meeting the requirements of the company’s clientele. As a result of the company’s commitment to delivering outstanding customer service and ensuring that each and every one of its patrons is completely satisfied with their purchases, it has been successful in developing a clientele that is dedicated to making ongoing use of its various products and services (Mckeown, 2019). In addition, the firm’s drive to produce new products and services, as well as its investments in research and development, have helped the business retain its competitive advantage in the rapidly shifting digital industry. As a direct result of this, customers have been able to stay connected, engaged, and competitive in the digital world. Furthermore, customers have been able to experience the most current technical developments.
Microsoft’s intentional approach has also enabled the corporation to establish a solid foothold in the international market. The firm has successfully developed a devoted client base eager to use its goods and services and make financial investments in the company due to its emphasis on customer service and happiness (Mckeown, 2019). In addition, the company’s dedication to innovation has allowed it to continue to develop and extend its footprint in global markets despite the quickly shifting digital scene. This has been made possible by the rapid pace at which the digital landscape is evolving. As a direct consequence of this, Microsoft has established itself as a frontrunner in the digital transformation of its customers. As a result, the company offers its clients the most recent technology advances and services that enable them to remain connected, engaged, and competitive.
Evaluation of Strategic Options
Microsoft’s strategic plan is a comprehensive approach that covers multiple facets of the company’s operations. By focusing on cloud computing services, advanced educational solutions, accelerating innovation, driving growth, customer support and satisfaction, open source contributions, cybersecurity solutions, automation solutions, digital transformation, business solutions, and sustainability, Microsoft is well-positioned to meet the needs of its customers and achieve its long-term goals (“Annual Report, 2021”). In order to evaluate the suitability, acceptability, and feasibility of these strategic options, it is important to consider each option in the context of the company’s overall strategy and objectives.
Cloud Computing Services
The cloud computing services offered by Microsoft are highly suitable for the company’s strategy and objectives. By leveraging the Azure platform, customers are able to access data, applications, and services from any device at any time (Aula & Mantere, 2020). Additionally, the cloud services platform is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Cloud computing services are also highly acceptable to customers, as they offer them the ability to access data and applications from any device. In terms of feasibility, cloud computing services are relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft has already invested in the development of the Azure platform.
Advanced Educational Solutions
The advanced educational solutions offered by Microsoft are also highly suitable for the company’s strategy and objectives. By providing students with collaborative tools, such as Microsoft Teams, and resources, such as free training and certification programs, Microsoft is helping to boost student success. Additionally, these solutions are highly acceptable to customers, as they help them to stay connected and engaged in their education. In terms of feasibility, the advanced educational solutions are relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to provide these solutions.
Accelerating Innovation
The goal of accelerating innovation is also highly suitable for Microsoft’s strategy and objectives. By investing heavily in research and development and leveraging partnerships with other industry leaders, Microsoft is able to develop innovative products and services quickly and efficiently. The goal of accelerating innovation is also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s cutting-edge products and services. In terms of feasibility, the goal of accelerating innovation is relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal.
Driving Growth
The strategy of driving growth is also highly suitable for Microsoft’s strategy and objectives. By leveraging its platform and ecosystem to create new opportunities, Microsoft is able to provide customers with the best possible products and services. The goal of driving growth is also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s continued investment in products and services. In terms of feasibility, the goal of driving growth is relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal.
Customer Support and Satisfaction
The goal of providing excellent customer support and satisfaction is also highly suitable for Microsoft’s strategy and objectives. By responding quickly and efficiently to customer inquiries and feedback, as well as investing in customer service tools, such as chatbots and virtual agents, Microsoft is able to provide customers with the best possible customer experience. The goal of providing excellent customer support and satisfaction is also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s commitment to providing the best possible customer experience. In terms of feasibility, the goal of providing excellent customer support and satisfaction is relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal.
Open Source Contributions
The commitment to open-source contributions is also highly suitable for Microsoft’s strategy and objectives. By providing open-source projects on GitHub and sponsoring open-source conferences and events, Microsoft is able to build relationships with the development community and provide customers with access to cutting-edge technology. The commitment to open-source contributions is also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from Microsoft’s expertise and access to innovative solutions. In terms of feasibility, the commitment to open-source contributions is relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal.
Cyber security Solutions
The cybersecurity solutions offered by Microsoft are also highly suitable for the company’s strategy and objectives. By providing a range of security products and services, as well as comprehensive consulting services and training programs, Microsoft is able to help customers protect their data and systems from threats and malicious attacks. The cybersecurity solutions are also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s expertise and solutions. In terms of feasibility, the cybersecurity solutions are relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to provide these solutions.
Automation Solutions
The automation solutions offered by Microsoft are also highly suitable for the company’s strategy and objectives. By providing customers with the Microsoft Automation Platform, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions, Microsoft is able to help customers increase productivity and reduce costs. The automation solutions are also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s expertise and solutions. In terms of feasibility, the automation solutions are relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to provide these solutions.
Digital Transformation
The goal of helping customers achieve digital transformation is also highly suitable for Microsoft’s strategy and objectives. By providing consulting services to help customers develop their digital strategies, as well as investing in digital transformation initiatives, such as the Microsoft AI for Good program, Microsoft is able to help customers make the most of their data and technology. The goal of helping customers achieve digital transformation is also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s expertise and solutions. In terms of feasibility, the goal of helping customers achieve digital transformation is relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal.
Business Solutions
The business solutions offered by Microsoft are also highly suitable for the company’s strategy and objectives. By providing customers with products, such as Dynamics 365, and business intelligence and analytics solutions, Microsoft is able to help customers succeed in their respective industries. The business solutions are also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s expertise and solutions. In terms of feasibility, the business solutions are relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to provide these solutions.
Sustainability
The commitment to sustainability is also highly suitable for Microsoft’s strategy and objectives. By investing in renewable energy sources and carbon offset projects, as well as developing products and services that are designed to be more sustainable, Microsoft is able to reduce its environmental impact and provide customers with ethical and responsible products and services. The commitment to sustainability is also highly acceptable to customers, as they are able to benefit from the company’s commitment to responsible business practices. In terms of feasibility, the commitment to sustainability is relatively easy to implement, as Microsoft already has the resources and infrastructure in place to achieve this goal.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s strategic plan is a comprehensive approach that covers multiple facets of the company’s operations. By focusing on cloud computing services, advanced educational solutions, accelerating innovation, driving growth, customer support and satisfaction, open source contributions, cybersecurity solutions, automation solutions, digital transformation, business solutions, and sustainability, Microsoft is well-positioned to meet the needs of its customers and achieve its long-term goals. By evaluating each strategic option in terms of its suitability, acceptability, and feasibility, Microsoft is able to ensure that its strategic plan is effective and able to meet the needs of its customers.
References
Annual Report. (2021) Microsoft. Web.
Aula, P., & Mantere, S. (2020). Strategic reputation management: Towards a company of the good. Routledge.
Chen, Z., Kang, Y., Li, L., Zhang, X., Zhang, H., Xu, H…. & Lyu, M. R. (2020). Towards intelligent incident management: Why we need it and how we make it. In Proceedings of the 28th ACM Joint Meeting on European Software Engineering Conference and Symposium on the Foundations of Software Engineering (pp. 1487-1497). Web.
Mckeown, M. (2019). The strategy book. Pearson UK.
Pal, D., & Vanijja, V. (2020). Perceived usability evaluation of Microsoft Teams as an online learning platform during COVID-19 using system usability scale and technology acceptance model in India. Children and Youth Services Review, 119, 105535. Web.