Discussion 1 Week 6 "Comparing First-movers in Technology" Assignment

Discussion 1 Week 6 "Comparing First-movers in Technology" - Assignment Example 244). From the videos, it was evident that Intel’s development of the first microprocessor (Intel Free Press, 2011); while Microsoft’s software design enabled them to pioneer in this endeavor and assume a proactive stance in related technological developments (Microsoft, 2012). Moreover, Intel and Microsoft capitalized and reaped the following advantages: (1) captured the opportunity to â€Å"exploit network effects and positive feedback loops, locking consumers into its technology† (Hill & Jones, 2012, p. 244); (2) enabled establishment of brand loyalty; (3) generated substantial sales volume which eventually enabled economies of scale and learning effects; (4) enabled offering pricing strategies (switching costs); and (5) gained advanced knowledge on the pioneering experience (Hill & Jones, 2012). 2. From the first and second e-Activities, compare Intel’s and Microsoft’s strategies in terms of their ability to profit from innovation. Next, analyze the manner in which shifts in new technologies revolutionized the structure of the industry, increasing profitability and growth through global expansion. Provide a rationale to support your response. Intel’s strategies, when compared to Microsoft’s strategies in terms of abilities to profit from innovation were virtually on the same field. Through pioneering efforts, both Intel and Microsoft gained substantial market shares within their respective fields of endeavors. As such, the developed core competencies established significant competitive advantage that enabled them to retain leadership in these discoveries. Moreover, the manner in which shifts in new technologies revolutionized the structure of the industry, increasing profitability and growth through global expansion – more commonly known as technological paradigm shifts, affect both Intel and Microsoft. For example, cloud computing, which