Microsoft and Foreign Governments

Essay by bjurjecUniversity, Master'sA+, February 2004

download word file, 26 pages 4.7

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION4

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY5

III. BACKGROUND OF MICROSOFT - HISTORY OF THE COMPANY6

IV. MICROSOFT'S GOALS - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS7

V. INTERNATIONAL BARRIERS OF OPPOSITION8

A. LINUX: MICROSOFT'S MAIN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION8

B. FOREIGN GOVERMENTS12

C. PRICING STRATEGY14

VI. SWOT ANALYSIS17

A. STRENGTHS17

B. WEAKNESSES18

C. OPPORTUNITIES18

D. THREATS19

VI. RECOMMENDATIONS19

A. DIVERSIFY19

B. PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN21

C. JOINT VENTURE22

D. OFFENSIVE BUSINESS STRATEGY23

E. FIGHT PIRACY23

BIBLIOGRAPHY26

I. Introduction

Over the last three decades, technology has transformed the way we work, play, and communicate. Today, we can access information and communicate with people from around the world in an instant. Groundbreaking technologies have opened the door to innovations in every field of human endeavor, delivering new opportunities, convenience, and value to our lives. Since its founding in 1975, Microsoft has been a leader in this transformation. Thinking and acting globally, enabling a diverse workforce that generates innovative software for a broad spectrum of customers and partners, innovating to lower the costs of technology, and showing leadership in supporting the communities in which we work and live.

Microsoft is deeply committed to the research and development that enables them to meet their customers' needs today and ensures that they stay at the leading edge of innovation. Microsoft is a very successful corporation. But the big question is: Can Microsoft convince a wary world that it is not a monopoly? In our paper we will discuss Microsoft's dominance the in software industry and international obstacles facing Microsoft.

II. Executive Summary

Microsoft has grown from a small, two-person partnership to become the largest software company in the world today. By adhering to a strict list of values, Microsoft has been able to accomplish its mission of "enabling people and business through out the world to realize their full potential".