Chapter 4

INSTALLED BASE

The number of users of a particular good.

According to netmarketshare.com, Microsoft’s operating systems take over 90% of the market share. This is a substantial portion of the installed base of users. Used at home and at work, it’s hard to get away from the predominant system. There are also easily accessible add-ons and complementary goods, such as software and freeware that maintain the loyalty to Windows.

In line with the dominant operating system is the web browser. Internet explorer is pre installed on every Windows operated computer, as the graph below depicts.

However, according to other sources there has been a steady decline in IE’s use over the years. And in non software categories, such as game systems, Microsoft still has some catching up to do be considered a leader.

So is Microsoft a monopoly? Seems like MS is trying, but only succeeded for a time with operating systems. However, the rejuvenation of Apple in recent years has taken away some of the share.

The video below discusses the changing market share of Microsoft. One of the products noted in which Microsoft isn’t the leader yet is with cell phones in which Apple’s iPhone leads.

Microsoft Settles in the EU but Are They Still a Monopoly? - The funniest home videos are here

Chapter 3

DOMINANT DESIGN

After a technological innovation and a subsequent era of ferment in an industry, a basic architecture of product or process that becomes the accepted market standard

The article link below discusses dominant design and encourages developers of new technology to be a leader and consider that their design, if though through, can set the standard. First is having a strong connection to the user. This allows understanding the needs and being to make changes sooner rather than later. For instance, in the text book case with the PDA's, one of the failures was due to manufacturers not considering and hedging the concerns of the end user. Also, during product development style and appearance are equally as important as functionality. Designers should also not just focus on the current product/service being developed but should anticipate complementary goods. It many cases it is the accessories of a product that actually have the greater profit margin, such as high definition cables. During the planning of additional products/services relationships with suppliers and distributors can aid in a successful acceptance of the design. Having a partnership with a distributor such as Wal-mart can contribute to marketing as well.

Source: http://economics.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-dominant-design.htm

http://www.siliconindia.com/magazine_articles/In_Pursuit_of_Dominant_Design-GNHJ593586097.html

Chapter 2

ENTERPRISE INNOVATION

EnterpriseInnovation.net

is Asia's premier business and technology publication. Our core objective is to provide business and technology executives access to real-world expertise in the area of applying technology to drive innovation in business processes, products and services.

Source: http://www.enterpriseinnovation.net/content/about-enterprise-innovation

Organizational Creativity is facilitated through a variety of social processes and medians. Examples are Google's idea management system in which employees email their ideas which are then added to a database available to all for comments and ratings. Various over the counter software are available for companies smaller than Google to implement a more robust system of creativity and innovation than the good ol' comments box.

In the below video, Gan Boon San, President of Sun Microsystems Asia South, discusses the values Enterprise Innovation: solving problems, meeting business needs, realizing vision, saving costs, improve competitiveness and improved quality of product. He mentions the process is vital to maintain at all times, especially in bad times as well as the use of resources outside technology, including human resources, partners and customers.

It feels like enterprise innovation is not always active in company cultures. Only in hard times do companies seem to wake up to the fact they need to modify their practices and change along with the times. During this most recent economic crisis and newly elected president does the need for innovation seem to be championed. Starting with the banks and top car manufacturers; the auto industry has since been pressed to reinvent its structure, practices and products to regain industry prowess.