1. Allow Chrome OS to Succeed
Microsoft can’t let Google’s Chrome OS succeed. Although it won’t negatively affect the Microsoft’s market share in the short-term, there is a good chance that if Chrome OS can catch on, it could be extremely troublesome for Microsoft just a few years down the road.
2. Miss Out On Smartphones
The mobile marketplace is vital to Microsoft’s future. While Microsoft still owns a big piece of the space with Windows Mobile, that market share is sinking as iOS, Android OS, and BlackBerry OS continue to grow. Microsoft hopes to turn things around with the release of Windows Phone 7. But it won’t be easy to catch up to the competition.
3. Allow HP to Capitalize On WebOS
HP’s plan for computer tablets featuring WebOS should be of concern to Microsoft. Back in January at CES, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage and told the world that HP’s Slate would be coming to compete with Apple’s iPad and it would run Windows. But now HP says its tablets will include WebOS, and not Windows— a shot over Microsoft’s bow.
4. Let Mac OS X Grow
Mac OS X doesn’t get the attention it once did, but it’s still doing a fine job of appealing to both consumers and enterprise customers. In fact, as Apple continues to sell more Macs, the company chips market share away from Microsoft. To succeed in the future, Microsoft needs to find a way to stop that. Windows 7 is a good first step, but working with hardware partners on creating nicer-looking computers is quickly becoming a necessity.
5. Allow Google Chrome Steal More Market Share
Although it will be difficult for Microsoft to stop Google in the browser market, it’s essential. Chrome is a key player in Google search, and as Chrome grows, fewer people will use Internet Explorer, and thus, fewer users will search Bing. That not only affects Microsoft’s search market share, it also affects online advertising revenue.
6. Lose Track of the Enterprise
Microsoft’s extra attention to the consumer market can’t be allowed to distract it from its roots in the enterprise. Apple and Google perform well in the consumer space, while Microsoft has a stronghold in the enterprise. Microsoft can’t simply forget about companies for the sake of growing its consumer business. If Microsoft wants to be successful, it needs to remember to stay true to the organizations that help it build its success.
7. Not Bolster Its Web-Productivity Suite
Google Docs is gaining ground. Although it’s far behind Microsoft Office, more folks are finding the free service is a fine alternative to Microsoft Office. If Microsoft wants to be successful over the next few years, it will need to spruce up its own online Office suite.
8. Fail to Innovate
One of the big complaints customers have with Microsoft is that the company fails to innovate. Instead, it delivers iterative updates that aren’t what customers want. Just look at Windows Mobile for proof of that. Microsoft can’t continue down that path. It needs to find a way to innovate beyond what it already offers.
9. Let Android OS Get Away
Google’s Android operating system could be Microsoft’s biggest challenge in the mobile marketplace. The longer Microsoft waits to release Windows Phone 7, the more time Android OS will have to gain a stronghold and the harder it will be for Microsoft to attract partners. Android OS could be the single most dangerous product facing Microsoft today.
10. Forget About Enterprise Productivity
Microsoft must also remember that productivity plays a key role in whether companies decide to either stick with products or ditch them for something better. Microsoft’s release of Vista showcased how Microsoft had lost its way in delivering on enterprise need for productivity. Going forward, Microsoft must appeal to the productivity needs of customers, rather worry about Google.