Updated: May 31, 2023 (January 23, 2017)

Enterprise Priorities and Roadmap 2017

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration and content management. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology... more

The enterprise technology roadmap for Microsoft in 2017 will aim to expand subscription licensing, keep pace with hosted services competitors, and reduce the company’s dependence on Windows. Organizations running important systems on Microsoft technology can bet on Microsoft’s continuing business health, but they should prepare to handle rapid technology and licensing changes and to make tough choices among the company’s new collaboration technologies.

Business Health Good Despite PC Decline

Microsoft’s business health is sound. Over the company’s last five reported fiscal years, revenue has grown and the company has remained profitable, although profit margins have declined. Long-term debt has tripled, but the balance of cash and short-term investments has grown almost as quickly and remains well ahead of debt. Enterprise customers continue to increase their multiyear purchase commitments in programs like the Enterprise Agreement (EA).

However, declines in PC sales continue to affect sales of Windows and the Office suite, historically the company’s two most profitable product lines. The company has been pursuing several business priorities in response:

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