Microsoft has come up with its shortlist of five CEO candidates. Former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop is one of the external candidates along with Ford CEO Alan Mulaly. So what is his game plan should he become CEO for the software giant? In an interview with Bloomberg, he said he would focus on MS Office integration in smartphones and tables.
Elop plans to focus on making the well-loved Office software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint more accessible in smartphones and tablets. This is not exclusive on Windows devices but will be extending it to competitors like Google and Apple.
Elop thought about deviating from Microsoft's strategy of using the above mentioned programs to increase demand for its current Windows OS flagship on PCs and mobile devices. It should be noted that most of Microsoft's software was exclusive for Windows.
Microsoft emerged as the largest software provider in the world under the administration of outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer and founder Bill Gates. Their team up made Windows-based PCs that run Office applications a staple industry feature. The company's failure in coming up with hit Windows-based mobile phones and tablets caused it to have its role diminished in the mobile market. Apparently, its denial to allow Apple's and Android-based devices' Office adaption didn't do much to its software usage.
Elop believes that Microsoft could be more valuable through maximizing the sales of its Office applications instead of using it to boost sales of Windows-based devices. He is even ready to sell or shut down some major businesses to magnify the company's focus. He is considering on ending Microsoft's expensive venture to take on Google's Bing search engine and to sell thriving businesses such as the Xbox game console after determining that they are not critical components of the company's strategy.
