Microsoft's fighting future: Software giant's dilemmas and lessons in ring craft

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This article reviews four articles highlighting Microsoft's competitive agenda. “Finance 2.0: an interview with Microsoft's CFO” by A.M. Chappuis and T.M. Koller provides some interesting insights into Microsoft's financial position and gently probes their current thinking. “Tech's future” by Steve Hamm is full of useful information and statistics and makes a strong, slightly breathless case for the transformational nature of competition in emerging markets. “This is war” by Victoria Murphy examines Microsoft's attempt to see off Linux, analyzing the basis for the battle. “A vision thing: Microsoft and its rivals fight for the living room of the future” by Richard Waters, in journalistic style, succinctly outlines Microsoft's fight for consumer dollars in the digital home entertainment sector.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2005), "Microsoft's fighting future: Software giant's dilemmas and lessons in ring craft", Strategic Direction, Vol. 21 No. 10, pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540510626637