Stephen Elop is Ready for Big Change at Microsoft
With the departure of a good chunk of Microsoft's old guard and a series of big moves that have left consumers skeptical of the 800 pound gorilla of the tech world, Stephen Elop just might be the person to set the company back on the right track.
In an interview with Engadget, he dropped some surprisingly honest opinions and said "I'm looking forward to being a part of driving that change within the company in whatever capacity.” Already in charge of overseeing the integration of Nokia into the M, Elop mentioned that he thinks that Microsoft needs to catch up with the rest of the pack.
"The big moves in technology tend to come when there's a major change in the user interaction model, how you interact with the device," commenting on the rise of touch. "At a certain point, those new user interaction models are figured out and take hold, and that heralds a whole new generation of experiences. And of course, we're all working vigorously on those types of things, and you'll see us work towards those in the future."
He acknowledged that many of the "killer apps" that are the bread and butter of iPhone and Android users are just now coming to Windows Phone – the company has a long way to go, but thinks that Microsoft can still compete. Targeting both the high-end power users and entry-level consumers with the Lumia 1520 and Asha series, Nokia has demonstrated a balanced approach to expansion that, even with the introduction of a "budget" iPhone 5c, isn't quite matched by other hardware manufacturers.
If Elop really is on top of it all as he seems to be, Microsoft may just have a path to success after years of floundering about, gradually losing their user base.
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http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/22/nokia-world-stephen-elop-interview/
I wouldn't trust this guy to change any company for the better.
In precisely the same manner in which he was ready for BIG CHANGE at Nokia?
Good luck, all you Microsoft investors.
Nokia made Nokia lose a shitload of money. They were failing long before Elop was brought on board.
That doesn't mean Elop could not or did not quicken the fall of Nokia.
Many people do not realize Nokia already losing in all front prior Elop.
Without Elop or Microsoft, Nokia already in the same faith as Ericsson.
Many people do not realize Nokia already losing in all front prior Elop.
Without Elop or Microsoft, Nokia already in the same faith as Ericsson.
True, but the decision to continue to neglect Android entirely in favor of Windows likely accelerated the process. Elop's former experience with (and likely bias in favor of) Microsoft was most certainly a major determining factor in this decision.
I'm not saying using Windows phone was a horrible idea as it helped differentiate Nokia from others, but there was no reason why Nokia could not have also released Android phones at the same time to appeal to a much wider audience.
Elop is also responsible for the terrible product marketing of the Lumia line. The alphanumeric naming scheme was convoluted and confusing in a market that favors simplicity. There was no opportunity for an individual flagship model to achieve any sort of recognition because of so many variants. Steve Ballmer himself admitted as much when MS took over.
My Fiance has a Lumia 928 and always tells people she has "The Windows Phone." I'm not sure she even knows it's called the Lumia or 928 and frankly doesn't care.
Elop hasn't shown he has any sort of outstanding insight into market trends or any sort of innovative ideology up his sleeve. He is most definitely the wrong person to lead Microsoft unless you want more misdirection.
They have become #1 EXACTLY BY PLAYING ULTRA-LOW MARGINS GAME. Nobody could beat them there.
Becoming Microsoft's exclusive delivery boys was such a stupid move, that looks more like a sabotage than an attempt to improve things at Nokia.
It's funny that big companies always become big from innovators and entrepreneurs. Then when it comes to replacing the person it is always some suit. One whom does not have that personality to push and innovate. Rather they are just seen as safe bets to manage and maintain.