Microsoft aims to Reverse Downward Trends
A new report from market research company comScore Inc. shows that Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 is continuing to lose its already shaky footing in the smartphone market. The announcement shows that Microsoft's market share has fallen from 5.7 percent to 5.2 percent of the market between the August and November ranking. This is particularly disappointing for Microsoft as the "Mango" update arrived in the fourth quarter with the inclusion of commendable improvements billed as Windows Phone 7.5 and comScore measurements include total subscribers not just new shipments. Conversely, Apple Inc. iPhone and Google Android devices achieved new subscriber highs reaching an average of 1.5 million new activations per day during December, according to reports. Microsoft plans to increase sales with updates in Q2 and Q4 with competitive pricing, an enterprise push, and new high-end phones.
Experton Group Opinion: Microsoft is hell-bent on making a splash with its Windows Phone products, and despite the company's penchant for abandoning poorly performing markets, it is clear that its commitment to smartphones is secure for the foreseeable future. While sales barely register compared to Android and iOS, the Windows Phone platform is attractive, offers a friendly interface, and has nice enterprise tie-ins with backend Microsoft management and collaboration technologies. While its market position is bleak, IT executives should consider devices’ using the platform, as Windows Phone is a serious smartphone contender worth testing and deployment.