Question

Microsoft continues to prove dominant as the operating system of choice yet there is others out there. Why do you think Microsoft has such a strong market share and what do you think it will take to level the playing for field?

Answer 1

Regarding the operating system products, Microsoft has the biggest basket of different types of operating systems, suitable for different needs and level of expertize. Further, Microsoft has a pricing strategy that suits to the pocket size of consumers of different income, class and countries on the basis of purchasing power. It has helped Microsoft to dominate the market. The domination is also supported by the innovation and quality delivered by its each OS applications that is more versatile, and reliable than most others. Besides, Microsoft has also been somewhat lenient for people using plagiarized versions in developing countries that makes people habitual of the Microsoft products and later on they buy it. So, Microsoft has the strong market share.

For other competitors, it will take a lot to compete & build a level playing field. These initiatives are as follows:

1. Develop core competency and offer specialized features that are not yet part of the Microsoft OS, so that a niche segment is readied.

2. Offer equally competing applications at cheap prices to get masses to be of used to it, later on they will buy the advanced versions

3. Release country specific versions that are suitable to offer the requirements of that country and communicate it with integrated marketing communications.

4. Build corporate tie-up with the computer manufacturers who will sell their system with the OS prebuilt in it. It will make people use it and competitors product will also gain some popularity.

5. Bundle it with exclusive tools that are not available free if bought alone.

Above initiatives will help build level playing fields.