...Microsoft: Developing a Strategic Plan NETW583: Final Project By Jamie Fairchild 8/9/2014 Section I Microsoft is a company that was founded on simple principles, to provide people with technology that is accessible, and can allow people to personalize their computers to meet their own needs and preferences. When the company was founded in 1975, they had a simple goal, to put a computer on every desktop and in every home. It is this philosophy that has guided them to huge success over nearly forty years of technological innovation. Unlike its main competitor, Apple Corporation, who entered into both the hardware and software markets, Microsoft focused its attention on software, the programs that run the hardware. Since then, they have entered into many different markets, producing a vast array of products, beginning with operating systems, then moving into other areas. They developed a widely used productivity software, Microsoft Office, and have moved into other areas as well, developing the Microsoft Surface, a tablet aimed at getting a share of the skyrocketing tablet market. Their diversity and willingness to collaborate with other companies has made them the tech giant that they are today. Microsoft’s vision is to “create innovative technology that is accessible to everyone and that adapts to each person’s needs, enabling individuals to take full advantage of their capabilities.” Microsoft has always developed products that are for the everyday user. Their...
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...NETW583 Strategic Management of Technology Term Project Instructions A key part of this class is the Term Project – developing a comprehensive written strategic plan for a technology driven organization. The project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to integrate skills and knowledge developed in this course. The project has a value of 200 points or 20% of the overall course grade. This document will provide you with additional information about the requirements as a supplement to the brief description on the course site. General Comments The project is organized consistent with the Terminal Course Objectives. This format allows students to apply what they have learned and serves to reinforce the concepts. The Term Project has 6 sections each of which should cover a specific Terminal Course Objectives 1. Strategy (TCO F) 2. Core Competencies (TCO C) 3. Industry Dynamics (TCO A) 4. Technology Sourcing and Internal Innovation (TCO D) 5. Product Development Strategy (TCO E) 6. Strategy to protect innovations (TCO B) Each section of the project should be approximately 2-3 double spaced pages in length. Only the final paper, which is due on the Sunday ending week 7, will be graded. Each plan grade is made up of 3 components and weighted as follows: • Content (70%): how well the plan meets the objective of each section, which is organized by Terminal Course Objective. Care should be taken to ensure that your ideas are carefully considered and supported by...
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...Case Analysis: Apple Computer Course number: NETW583 Date: May 10th, 2013 The innovation of apple computer began with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in the garage of the parents of Steve Jobs in Mountain View, California. On 1st April 1976, fool’s day, the first apple computer was formed by Ronald Wayne, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. The following year, 1977 the apple company was incorporated. The first Apple Computer was a failure and was followed by the second one which was successful. Today Apple Company is one of the most revolutionary computer companies in the world that is involved in designing, developing and marketing personal computers, media devices, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. (Datamonitor, 2011) The timeline gives us an outlook of Apple’s biggest successes and failures. Some of the Apple’s successes come from the reinvention of Apple computer and Apple’s culture. The first success came from the Apple II in 1977. The Apple II was designed for mass production and broad consumer appeal and that must have contributed to the success of Apple II. In 1984, the introduction of first Macintosh was a success. To appeal to the consumes, Apple created hype around the Macintosh with its infamous "1984" Super Bowl commercial, and announced it...
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