Microsoft finds itself in a precarious position in today’s tech space. The company is dominant, for sure, but its products are being attacked on all sides by competitors that are trying desperately to cut into the software giant’s lead across several markets. And so far, many of those firms have been somewhat successful at it. In fact, Microsoft’s mobile market share has declined quite a bit over the past few years. And many believe that it won’t be able to regain it at any point in the near future. However, Microsoft is still Microsoft. And that means that the company has the cash and the influence to overcome adversity and regain its past influence. Perhaps more importantly, the software giant already has a suite of products that are appealing to customers already. And in many cases, its offerings are easily trumping that of the competition’s. Read on to find out how Microsoft’s many products are beating the following alternatives quite handily. Some of the following products might surprise Microsoft critics. But when it’s all said and done, the software giant is doing far better than those folks believe.
of
1. Mac OS X
Apple’s Mac OS X platform is a fine operating system. But especially for enterprise customers, it falls short in a big way. Not only does it lack compatibility with important corporate-focused programs, but it’s nowhere close to captivating a majority of customers around the world. Mac OS X is a fine product. But it can’t compare to Windows.
2. Apple’s iWork
Apple’s iWork platform is designed to give the company’s Mac OS X users an alternative to Windows. But after using it for a little while, most folks will quickly find out that it can’t compete with Microsoft Office on any level. It’s a nice productivity suite, but it won’t match Microsoft’s anytime soon.
3. Google Docs
Office Web Apps might be in its infancy, but Microsoft’s alternative to Google Docs is already appealing to those who realize that the search giant’s alternative has some real issues to contend with. Google Docs isn’t a bad platform by any means -- it works quite well in most cases -- but Office Web Apps is simply better. And since it has direct integration with the desktop version of Microsoft’s productivity suite, it’s probably the best choice for enterprise customers.
4. Google Maps
Quite a few people opt for Google Maps when they want to find directions to a particular location, but when they use Bing Maps for the first time, they will quickly discover why Microsoft’s alternative is slightly better. Not only does it offer a better interface, but its satellite views of locations are much better than Google’s.
5. Google’s Cloud Efforts
Google has been trying desperately to prove to the enterprise that it provides a viable cloud-based solution for customers. And although the company has come a long way in doing just that, it has much further to go if it wants to catch up to Microsoft. The software company’s Azure is quite nice. And with the Web-based Office Web Apps finally starting to gain some ground in the productivity market, for now it seems Microsoft is still in the lead.
6. BlackBerry OS
RIM’s BlackBerry operating system might be the most viable offering to enterprise customers right now, but Windows Phone 7 could have the trump card when it’s released next month. The operating system features a unique new design, and delivers full-fledged Windows integration, which should be enough to captivate some customers. BlackBerry OS is great and all, but Windows Phone 7 looks to be better.
7. Any Collaboration Software
No matter what kind of collaboration software a company would like to use, they won’t find a better solution than Sharepoint. Over the past couple years, Microsoft has spent considerable time improving its collaboration option. And in the process, the company has made it a must-have for just about any organization.
8. A Non-Windows Netbook
Microsoft might not offer netbooks itself, but the company’s netbook-friendly Windows 7 is easily better than Linux. Realizing that, an increasing number of consumers and enterprise customers have been buying Windows 7-based netbooks. And in the process, Microsoft has proven that when it comes to operating systems, it really does know what it’s doing.
9. Norton Anti-Virus
Windows security is a major concern for consumers and enterprise customers. And that won’t be changing anytime soon. But as Symantec’s Norton security suite gets all the attention in the space, it’s actually Microsoft’s Defender software that beats all others. Even better, the software is free, which makes it all the more appealing. It might sound odd, but the company that has been most at fault for Windows insecurity is offering the best solution to address that.
10. Windows Vista
It might seem odd to include a Microsoft product in a roundup showing how Microsoft is beating the competition, but Windows Vista is one of those products that Microsoft is currently beating. As mentioned by just about every Windows critic around, Vista was a failure for Microsoft. But Windows 7 helped Microsoft regain its focus. And now, the company’s latest operating system is delivering the experience that Vista should have offered from the start.
Intel Technology Provider Program
Intel Technology Provider Program (ITP) helps resellers better understand Intel products which power the technology they sell, and enables value-add services such as remote manageability or anti-theft tracking. Learn More
WindowsForDevices.com
WindowsForDevices.com is the comprehensive news site covering Windows embedded technologies. Visitors get news, technical white papers, opinion columns and extensive directories covering the products and companies in the marketplace. Click Here
Microsoft Partner 
10 Key Ingredients That Have Made Apple So Successful
10 Reasons RIM`s New CEO Won`t Fix the Company
Eight IT Jobs Skills That Win Six-Figure Salaries
Social Media Best Practices to Land that Dream Job
Channel Executives On The Move: 2012
Why SOPA Is Such A Big Issue
See All Slideshows
