Through this press release, we begin to see the results of Microsoft’s strategic planning. Suffering a large percentage of sales in the personal computer industry, Microsoft looks to protect its stake in the educational field of computing. Microsoft is specifically feeling the heat from its biggest competitor, Apple, who operates the majority of their computers on Mac driven software. This aggressive move to develop and sell this software helps protect Microsoft from loosing a sector it helped to create. Schools across the country will have a continuing need to buy efficient computers with an effective operating system. Through this new software, Microsoft hopes that teachers, faculty, and administrators will continue to choose Windows.
Looking to separate themselves from Apple, Microsoft looks to differentiate through price. Macintosh software does not currently allow for one personal computer to be used as a hub for remote users without their own personal tower. For Mac, it is one computer tower and only one user. Microsoft will change the game with one tower and multiple users. All that is needed are additional monitors, keyboards, and mouses.
So why make a product like this now? Ira Snyder, the general for the Multipoint Server, understands that there is a great demand for such software in today’s markets. On her blog she writes, “In the World of education, shared resource computing has great potential to extend the reach and utilization of affordable computing for students.” The financial woes on Wall Street have carried over into the classrooms of our schools. Over the past several years, school budgets have been cut due to the recession. Although technology has continued to improve, many schools continue to operate with antiquated operating systems that are slow and prone to crash. The Windows Multipoint Server will now allow schools to update their operating systems for a much more attractive cost. Considering that ten remote users can connect to one full-equipped computer means that schools have the opportunity to cut their technology budget ten fold. This is great news for Microsoft, who hopes to increase sales in what was previously a stagnant market.
Finally this is a great public relations move for Microsoft. Many technology companies have been blamed for not being price conscientious. In this case, Microsoft looks to cut costs for schools while at the same promoting education for our young people. Windows Multipoint Server should help bolster revenue for Microsoft, while at the same time enhance its corporate image. This should be a strong counter attack to Mac who has dominated commercial airtime criticizing windows for it’s antiquated ways. When advertising begins for this new operating system, it should help to shed some of the recent negative press and show that Microsoft has a genuine concern for developing the next generation of young bright minds.
Works Cited
Fried, Ina. "Microsoft to schools: Share a PC." CNET News. 12 Nov. 2009. Web. 12 Nov. 2009.
I think that this is a huge development by Microsoft which will certainly put them ahead of the game. In recent years, many student PC users have switched over to Mac computers because of their price and ease of operation. By releasing the Multipoint Server, I believe that Windows PCs will now outshine many of the qualities that draw users to Apple products. This will be especially true in schools, there is no way they will convert to Mac computers when they can get ten times the value for their money by utilizing the features of the Multipoint Server. The influence of technology in our world is steadily growing and the more that opportunities students have to learn, the better off they will be in the future. The Multipoint Server will definitely result in a higher learning curve because more students will have access to technology.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading DJ's article, I definitely feel Microsoft will put themselves ahead in the market. I'm currently looking for a new laptop for next school year; and after reading this article and looking at other sources for the best laptop reviews, I think I'm going to change my mind and no longer purchase a Mac. The Multipoint Server will absolutely be an advantage while at school and it's interesting to see how Loyola and other colleges and universities will approach the new project by Microsoft. Another thing that will be interesting to see is what will Apple do in response. From Microsoft's new project, it's incredible how the technology world continues to advance so much and it's exciting to see what comes out next.
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