1.0
Introduction
“Innovation is finding ways to deliver new or better goods
or services” according to Kinicki and Williams (2003). Therefore, every types
of organization must always continue to strive in search of new ideas for the
betterment and quality of what their organizations are offering to the society.
With new ideas produce, it is for the benefit of the society and their
customers.
Having innovation is a must and specific tools for entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs will need to exploit change in order to try it out on starting
any new businesses. They will need to search on what kind of innovation that they
can develop or change to take their opportunities to striking success.
They have to explore new kind of innovation, develop new
things or change things that they had, to grab the opportunity and lead the
market.
Having business opportunities are good but having the
innovation to do business differently is better. To create or to have a
physical product, there are some factors to what the products are made of. For example, by factor of
material, physical and mental labour, of course funds. Entrepreneurs must have
the capability of combining all these factors innovatively in order for them to
create something that they can present to the world and for the world to assess
on the creation that is brought to them.
Innovation isn’t just about inventing or creating something
new and it doesn’t only range within production of goods; it also covers on
services and or processes. It is also about the motivation or an idea that is
sparked and be made into something realistic. Be it, out of a product that has
already existed, entrepreneur will need to have the motivation into making that
product or services better for the benefit of society and also for the said
entrepreneurs.
2.0
Organisation’s description
The name Microsoft Corporation is so synonym in our time
today. But how much do we know of it? Because of the normality of the name being
mention each time, we do sometimes forget, what does that company contributes
for the benefit of society.
It first started in Albuquerque, New Mexico with only 6
employees. At that time, in 1975, the name Microsoft was not invented yet. Paul
Allen and Bill Gates completed with request from MITS a computer language
program called ALTAIR BASIC. After completion, MITS bought the program and from
that market, Microsoft hits yearly sales totalling of $16,005.00. By 1976, the
name Microsoft was officially registered and also in the same year, Microsoft’s
revenue shoots up to $22,496.00 with only 9 employees working under the
company. In 1977, they came up with their second duplication on computer
language software, FORTRAN-80 and upgraded the Altair Basic to be compatible
with Z-80 and 8080 microprocessors.
But, both childhood friends Paul Allen and Bill Gates had
just begun and soon will be taking the rest of the world with them.
Now, Microsoft is estimated to have generated a total of
$51 billion amount of revenue, they are one of the top 10 investors for R&D
worldwide and hiring over 79,000 staff in over 102 countries. Microsoft are also
one of the public listed company with its operation divided into segments of
seven such as : Client, Serve and Tools, Information Worker, Microsoft Business
Solutions, MSN, Mobile and Embedded Devices and Home Entertainment. With major
shareholders such as Vanguard Group Inc. and State Street Global Advisor, and
these are just naming a few, Microsoft has shares outstanding to 8.40 billion
dollars. They have also won the World’s Best Multinational Workplace in 2011.
Noticeably, Microsoft is known for the Microsoft Windows
Operating System, Microsoft Office is its infamous software used by millions of
people worldwide. Venturing into the Gaming Industry, Microsoft Invented XBOX,
a gaming Console so powerful that has become a trend throughout the planet.
With the launching of XBOX 360 with Kinect, a webcam peripheral that emulate
gesture as one of the input controller, in which Kinect was noted as the
“Fastest Selling Consumer Electronic Device” by the Guinness Book of Records.
3.0
Types of innovation
Innovation are divided by 4 types,
1) Invention
2) Extension
3) Duplication
4) Synthesis
1) Invention
Derived from the Latin word in venire which means, “to find”, invention means in concern of
finding something. Invention or inventing is to create new products or ideas
which have not been tried before. The process of invention is spark from
collaborative creative process and also brainstorming. Invention is basically a
creative process and can serve many purposes. These purposes might change over
a period of time and it might significantly differ. Sometimes invention may
serve their purpose of their development and sometimes exceed the purpose that
might not be envisioned by its creator. Invention might evolve into something
more specific or simpler than when it is first invented. Such as the inventions
of computers, when it is first developed, it’s compatibility is not as vast and
expanded as it is today. The size of the first invented computers are not as
small and light as today and perhaps it is never envisioned that a computer can
be a size of a small box. But the purpose of computer being invented is served
and has exceeded the expectations.
2) Extension
Every organization will want to expand and want
to make more than what they are producing as a product, or service that they are
currently providing. This is where organization extends from its comfort zone
by venturing into other field. Extension merely means to add in products or
services to the existing lines. Taking in for example, Microsoft venturing into
gaming platform software and hardware. In which they invented XBOX a gaming
console which carries Microsoft’s gaming operating system and they manufactured
the hardware themselves. By extending
their target market from just, Office and PC User, they had created a new
market segment which expends to Children and Hard Core Gamers.
3) Duplication
When the market has expended, a company have to
make more of the existing product. They have to make multiple versions and ships
dozen of updates. They have to duplicate the existing product and put a variety
of product to feed the variety of needs for the consumers. Basically
duplication would not just mean copying. But duplication here means, that
should the organization made some add ons in order to improve the process of
the product and services and by that improve competitiveness, therefore, it is
said as duplication. Samsung has created
a vast line of mobile devices suites the need from their consumer. Some were
super fast such as the Samsung Galaxy S III and some with Large Screen such as
the Galaxy Tab 10’ and some were even fitted with a ‘Pico Projector’ to support
the ability to have meeting and presentations anytime anywhere such as the
Samsung Galaxy Beam. All of the above was just a duplication of a smart mobile
device that fits into certain group of people or target markets.
4) Synthesis
By the words of Ancient Greek, synthesis simply
means “with placing”. Synthesis refers to when an entity or element of two or
more are combined and that they together form something new, therefore
alternatively it will refer into creating something with artificial means. By
innovation, synthesis would mean a combination of elements by turning it to be
a whole new product but with taking into consideration of the already existing
ideas or from an already existing item. Taking for example, Google started as a
search engine and expand their capacity with massive data warehouse and
processing power. Then they venture into Android, an operating system for
smartphones. With the support of Google massive infrastructure, Android has
become one of the most advance smartphone OS now. They expand into computer operating
system, Chrome OS, which is a cloud base computing OS. The OS lives within
Google infrastructure whereby data are now no more stored in the computer
hardware but it is available anywhere. We can now access our own PC anywhere
without having to have the physical notebook or PC. They had synthesised their
data warehouse and processing capability with their own operating systems.
4.0 Analysis of
innovation adopted
As Microsoft grows, they continue developing new products
and software. By invention and then extending those software to a better and
upgraded products, they have gone from scratch and making it into something
through their ideas and shared skills. Not only that, they also extended their
view out from the safety of developing software’s, whereby they developed game
consoles and Windows phone.
Microsoft in their early years back in 1975 has assisted
MITS with a computer language program for personal computer, Altair Basic. Then
they developed their second computer language program that they named
FORTRAN-80. Whilst Altair Basic are extended and made to conform with 8080 and
ZT-80 microprocessors a standard computer at that time. These computer
languages are the duplication of the older version of Basic and FORTRAN
66.
Then came MS-DOS and it was invented in the 1980’s.
MS-DOS is a software that was developed to run and manage the computer
hardware. It serves as a foundation to bridge the gap between the computer
hardware and the program. With the introduction of MS-DOS, it also introduces a
whole new language for computer to the society. Commands such as C: and other
cryptic language is typed in to run the computer. Although MS-DOS is effective
but it does proves that it is not quite understandable and hard for some
people. So, Microsoft is determined to develop another kind of operating system
that is simpler and much more user friendly.
Then by the year 1982, a new kind of operating system was invented.
Code name the ‘Interface Manager’ at first, it was then converted to the name
Windows 1.0. And this is the dawn of the infamous Windows Operating system that
millions of people worldwide are using as we speak. Windows 1.0 was officially
shipped in 1985. Windows 1.0 is the duplication of MS-DOS but it is much
easier and rather than typing in MS-DOS like commands, user can just point out with
a mouse and click the boxes on the screens. Windows 1.0 has drop – down menus,
icons, dialog boxes and scroll bars. The program is easier to use. The
‘windows’ in this operating system enables user to just switch amongst other
programs rather than having to quit and restart whenever they wanted to use the
programs.
Later after, Windows 1.0 are then extended to a new
version. In 1987 - 1992, Windows 2.0 – 2.11 is introduced. By duplicating
the operation ways of Windows 1.0 the modification or upgrades made are that
this version comes with desktop icons and expanded memories. Windows 2.0,
screen layout can be controlled, windows can be overlapped and the use of
keyboard shortcuts is introduced to speed up work. The subsequent releases of
these Windows are improved continuously in regards to reliability, speed and
usability of the personal computers. And up until now, Windows have always made
improvement in compatibility to help users understand and to have no fuss of
using a computer.
Then by the year 1995 – 2000, the age of the internet,
Microsoft synthesises its Windows operating system and making it
compatible to use in the new online world. Windows 95 was introduced. This
operating system features Plug and Play capabilities for making installing
hardware and software a breeze and hassle free. It also has a dial – up
networking and built in internet support. This operating system that operates
at 32-bit also has more powerful features, full mobile computing and integrated
networking. Windows 95 also offers enhanced multimedia capabilities for users.
Not to forget, Windows 95 is the first operating system that has the features
of Start menu, minimize, maximizes and close button windows and taskbar. From
here, upgraded feature of Windows are available with more security, stable,
with speed and comes compatible with a wireless network features, making
browsing the internet easier and to enable user to have the full feature useful
even on the go.
Besides than developing operating systems, Microsoft also extended
their view to create other products too. Another invention that made a huge
wave amongst high tech lovers especially gamers in 2001 are the infamous XBOX
and XBOX 360. XBOX 360 is the lighter, slimmer version of XBOX. This game
console is fully powered for extreme gamers and not only that, the XBOX also
supports Digital Media. It can rip music and can play DVD’s. Enough said that
this game console is not just a game console. XBOX is then synthesises
by adding Kinect. Launched in the year 2010, Kinect is basically a motion
sensing input that is devised through the use of webcams to enhance gaming
features.
Another extension of product lines that is by
Microsoft is the Windows phone. Previously Microsoft only develops operating
system only for computers and after that they had migrated to a completely
different environment and that is developing operating system for smartphones.
With the collaboration made between other leading mobile phone suppliers and
manufacturers, such as Nokia, HTC, T Mobile and Samsung, together they develop
smartphones with the features of having Windows as its operating system. The
first Windows phone made in collaboration with Samsung, Dell, HTC and LG was
released in 2010. The first wave of Windows phones are known as Windows 7
“Mango”, it supports 25 languages, mobile version of Internet Explorer 9 and
Twitter’s integration. Not long after that, in this 2012, a minor update is
done and they released the version “Tango”. This version is released with
‘bugfixes’ and allowing devices with 800 MHz CPUs to run this phone.
5.0 Sources of
innovations
1) Unexpected
event
Microsoft got their first break in 1975, when MITS requires
them to develop a computer language software. Altair Basic was invented taking
from the older version of Basic, upgrading it and from there they were
appointed by MITS and the distribution of Altair Basic was shipped out. The turn of events concurred during the
timeline since they first developed Altair Basic. Then in 1980’s, IBM
approaches Microsoft with a project that they codename it “Chess”. IBM requires
Microsoft to again develop a new operating system for their computers. From
that turned of unexpected event, MS-DOS was introduced and at that time also, all
IBM’s computers are running on this OS.
2) New
knowledge Concept
Microsoft are known for their operating system. The
infamous Windows. They created a totally new OS based from their knowledge in
computing. With having the basics of MS-DOS, they created an operating system
that is more user friendly and easy to learn. Rather than having to memorise
commands for MS-DOS, Windows have menu prepared and task bar for easy access.
Even at that time people were sceptical, Microsoft pursues with their new
knowledge in software for the market to assess.
3) Process
Needs
Back in the 1970’s, computer is not generally used in homes
or offices, they are huge and does not have a specific operating system. They
were using line commands not alike MS-DOS. Even if COBOL was first introduced
in the 1960’s but it does not cater the needs of computer language as much. From
there Microsoft did the process needs in creating a new computer language based
on the older version of Basic and Fortran IV and 66 by redesigning and recreating
any link that are missing for the purpose of upgrading of the computer
language.
6.0 Summary
From what has been told above, Microsoft can be exampled as
one of the successful entrepreneurs. They started with only two people with an
idea and a huge vision. Bill Gates and Paul Allen are two young computer
enthusiasts and they see that personal computing is the future in the pathway
to reach. Their vision is to see one computer in every desktop and every home.
From just that, they strive and Microsoft began to change our way of working.
By unexpected event, they got a break from MITS, that
needed them to duplicate BASIC to conform with their computers and the satisfaction
in their work made MITS again asked them to duplicate and upgrade the program
FORTRAN 66 to FORTRAN 80 in order to make the program consistent with their new
microprocessor ZT-80 and 8080.
Being trusted on the results that they produced, they again
got a break from IBM and they are needed to invent a new and efficient
operating system the MS-DOS for IBM to run in their computers.
MS-DOS
is a command based operating system, and proven hard for some users. Microsoft
then started on the invention of Windows in the 1980’s. From there, Windows
bloomed and by needed process of upgrading and by way of duplication they
continued on exploring new possibilities that Windows could have to benefit its
user.
By
stepping out of their comfort zone, Microsoft then synthesises by venturing
into gaming software and hardware. They also venture into making OS for
smartphones. This is a new knowledge concept because for Microsoft, their
previous are for PC and computer software’s only.
It
is not only sheer luck, Microsoft strives on making real of their new knowledge
concept even there are sceptics. They continued on what they belief and now
Windows are used by people worldwide.
What
is next for Microsoft? Nowadays everything is not saved in our computer’s
hardware. There are no slots for DVD on many laptops. Everything is saved on
flash drives or streamed. Now the more advance is, every documents are saved in
the “Cloud”. The “Cloud” is an online space for storage or file sharing. Now to
make compatible with the “Cloud” Microsoft has Windows Live, this is a free
program for social networking, for keeping music and photos, emails and also
instant messaging. Windows Live is integrated with Windows, and this will
enable us to keep in touch with our phone, PC and the web. Windows Live is the
credit of taking Windows to the “Cloud”
(3,000 words)
7.0 References
1.
The History of Microsoft, http://channel9.msdn.com/Series/History/The-History-of-Microsoft-1977
accessed on 4th July, 2012
2.
The History of Microsoft, http://channel9.msdn.com/Series/History/The-History-of-Microsoft-1976
accessed on 4th of July, 2012
3.
The History of Microsoft, http://channel9.msdn.com/Series/History/The-History-of-Microsoft-1975
accessed on 4th of July, 2012
4.
Jones, Caroline; Innovation
Leaders ; http://innovationleaders.org/mic_company_profile.html
accessed on 4th July, 2012
5.
A History of Windows, http://www.computerhope.com/history/196080.htm
accessed on 3rd July, 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment