We all learn from each other don’t we? Of course we do and people, companies, corporations, sports teams and chefs, I could go on and on but what I’m trying to get to is that no one person knows it all, and in order to succeed you must copy at least some things from another in the same field in which you endeavor to be successful.
Microsoft is an awesomely successful software giant, but don’t think they got there by coming up with innovative ideas all by themselves, on the contrary they stole, or should I say borrow many ideas from companies alike. In the gaming industry, Microsoft has borrowed a lot of winning strategies from Sony, don’t you think it’s time the good folks at Sony do the same? Listed below are four traits Microsoft has that Sony needs.
Proactive Mentality
Microsoft didn’t just grab Sony’s market share in the U.S. by sitting back and watching time take its course; the giant has been relentlessly doing all it can to make sure that they’re one step ahead because Redmond knows that one moment, one brief slumber and they stand to lose all they’ve gained in the last few years. So constantly, Microsoft pushes forward vigorously doing all that is known to stay ahead. Some of the tactics that are used might be questionable but nonetheless the job gets done. Being proactive is a trait Microsoft adopted after the original Xbox failed to effectively compete with the PS3, and it’s proving to be a good one.
Great Customer Service (RROD fiasco)
It wasn’t always this way, but when you’re facing a potential recall of your product, when millions seem to be failing every month and when the media is constantly resurrecting the situation, you can’t help but develop a customer service that’s second to none in order to kill the heat somewhat, and that’s exactly what Microsoft did. One of the reasons you don’t hear too many Xbox 360 owners who’ve experienced RROD cry about it, is because of the great customer service and a three year warranty Microsoft gives with each console it sells. Not only that but the representatives deal with you extremely well, a message that must have been relayed to staff straight from the top.
On many occasions, I’ve heard PS3 owners who’ve had their consoles die the YLOD complained about the lack of customer service Sony provided and how they almost every time had to pay a lot of money to get it fixed or replaced. Although the PS3 is super reliable, there’s no excuse for why Sony lacks in the customer service department, they should take a cue from MS, it would serve them pretty well.
Persistence (MS is Hungry)
I has been this way from the onset, ever since the Xbox 360 was launched Microsoft it seems has been on a mission. They’ve said it many a times in the past, ‘this generation Xbox 360 will beat PS3 to become the most successful platform,’ and they keep on reiterating the same words until you believe it. Say what you will but for a company that’s relatively new to the games industry, they’ve done a pretty decent job at keeping Sony awake at night thinking of ways to combat this new ‘monster’.
Natal is coming to a store near you next spring and whether you choose to believe it or not, it will sell like hot cakes on day one; why? Marketing at Microsoft is topnotch. The advertising department has been doing a super job with getting the Xbox 360 name known and they’re doing the same with Natal. Marketing at MS is so good that sometimes a game is coming to the market and although it’s a mulitplatform title, because of Microsoft’s advertising you’d think the game was exclusive to the Xbox 360, especially if you’re not an informed customer.
Sony must get hungry like Microsoft if their intention is to defeat the software giant this gen, but there’s good news: they’re heading that direction.
Money
Yes money, the good book says it “answers all things,” doesn’t matter what the struggle, how high the mountain or how steep the hill, money will overcome it. We have no advice to offer Sony on how to make more of it than just keep getting better at what they do, keep making excellent products and it will eventually get bigger and bigger. Make no mistake, Sony is not in trouble, in fact it could buy up many companies out there and feel nothing, no financial strain; but compared to Microsoft, what it has in the bank is but a drop in the bucket.
It’s no wonder the Redmond giant can buy timed exclusives, put on major ad campaigns, offer blowout deals, pump millions into project Natal, and so much more. Money does wonders and Microsoft has it.
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Well money surely can’t buy you everthing can it?
It can’t buy you respect, brand recognition and it can’t by you love. Microsoft is hated by many, some people thing that they’re not good for the industry.
I say, because of MS competition is stiff, stop crying!
Many do hate MS. Competition can make a company rush things out the door to fast just to get the jump over everyone else. Sony was resting on the success of the PS2 and figured that would easily pass over to the PS3. But they did not figure that MS would come in the back door and grab things Sony figured they already had. But that the nature of business. Grab the share of the competitors when they are not looking. And MS use it early release and money to do so. You can’t hate them on that but many do. Blame Sony for not taking this generation as serious as they should of. They focus to much on making the PS3 a entertainment/Blu-ray player and not a game console.
Also, i remember when people use to say not having a good 3rd party support would kill your system(ex. gamecube, dreamcast, saturn) But now it seems that for the PS3 it what many say will save them. I felt you need a balance of both.