Everyone can agree that the world where PC’s were on top is now over. Mac’s have become more and more popular every year and even I am feeling the pressure to switch. My family and I have been long time PC users and I feel as if I have mastered the operating system. However, it is impossible to say that they are as efficient and hassle free as an Apple Computer. Apple has taken the technology world by storm with the most efficient, ground breaking features we have ever seen. For those people who have never experienced a Mac, there are commercials and marketing ploys out there that will capture you for sure, convincing you to switch from a PC to a Mac. I am here to talk about Microsoft’s response to the Mac’s nearly flawless operating system, and their technology strategy to steal their business right back.
Windows 7 is not set to launch until 2010, with Windows Vista still running strong and most all of the kinks worked out. Microsoft has to come up with something that Mac does not have to increase the appeal. What is so interesting about this new version of Windows is the approach that Microsoft is taking which I think is relatable to our Information Technologies class. Throughout our course we talk about the importance of information and how imperative it is for that information to be readily accessible to professionals along with average people. Microsoft is changing the way that information is passed on. It is keeping their new technology internal and not allowing it to move vertically. Usually when a new technology emerges the company gets out a press release and lets consumers and business know right away. Microsoft has decided that they are keeping the details of Windows 7 under wraps and allowing people to generate their own buzz. There have been hundreds of blogs written, you tube videos posted, and chat rooms created with people trying to anticipate what the new Windows 7 operating will entail. This is an interesting new approach and I think that this is very smart. If they had just come out and given all the details then people would find things that will be wrong with it and of course there will be skeptics. Another reason that they are not releasing much information is because they know things will change. This way people will know that when the information is released it is final and will not be changed due to errors they found with certain programs. Microsoft claimed in a press release that they are going to be very careful and only release bits and pieces “when they are ready”. We are taught that information is vital to the success of any company or product. Microsoft is very smart and they are going to take the tech world by storm. They have a very smart marketing strategy and people are buzzing already about the potential specs of it. Can’t wait to see what they come up with!
1 comment:
I agree completely with the fact that Macs seem to be taking over the world of computers. Before I first came college, I had to decide what type of laptop to buy. My mom and I went to a bunch of different stores, looked at magazines and read reviews online. Although I was a bit intrigued by the many different Dell options (a variety of sizes and colors), I ultimately ended up picking the apple notebook. The options are way more limited and the color choices are slim to none, (black or white for a notebook), but there just was and still is something about Macs. Most of my friends bought apple notebooks for school and surprise, it turned out that most of the friends that I made when I got to school also have them. The first time that I used the notebook, I knew that I wanted it. My computer that my family uses at home is a PC and my mom literally can't wait to get rid of it. She now only wants to buy a Mac, and like she says, "the little white one you have."
All of this talk about the growth and popularity of Macs lead me to another huge point that was discussed in the blog. What in the world is Microsoft trying to do with this "new approach to IT?" I don't know if I've just become such a strong Mac supporter, but I really can't see the benefit in this new approach. I, like everyone else, am wondering what the new Windows 7 will be like and of course, I am anxious to finally see it when it comes out, but with Microsoft already trailing behind, why wouldn't they want to market the hell out of one of their newest and potentially biggest productions? Yes, it is no doubt that they are generating buzz, but generating buzz and winning over some lost fans and securing the sales of a targeted group of people are two entirely different things. I think Microsoft needs to find a competitive edge, and if they supposedly have found it with this new windows, then I think they should advertise it, be proud of their product, and publicize their innovations and changes to windows to the general public. Here is my logic...The Mac company is very famous for a couple of big products, those being their computers, ipods, and now iphones. They mainly focus on constantly working to improve, change, and update these products and each time a new edition of any comes out, it is extremely expensive and well desired by people. My friend who was one of the first to buy the iphone knew so much about it and had been waiting for it to come out for what seems like forever. I think that Microsoft should follow a similar approach. Hiding their "new" windows and everything it has to offer will not make any be first line to buy it. This approach will leave people wondering what its like, not becoming excited about all of its great changed features. My mom, who like I said already uses and has been using Microsoft, will surely not jump out of her seat to buy the new Microsoft 7. Something new and expensive that a company has been hush hush about? For anybody that likes to research, this option does not seem appealing.
I believe part of business success is knowing your competition, not hiding from them.
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