Sunday, November 21, 2004

SWOT Analysis for Firefox

Strengths:
a) free of cost

b) integrated download manager

c) integrated popup blocker

d) integrated spyware detection

e) integrated adware detection

f) makes for a small download - 4.9 MB

Weaknesses:
a) in competition with Microsoft - which as we all know is loaded.

b) doesnt come integrated with Windows

Opportunities:
a) more feasible for markets where intellectual property rights are acknowledged, respected and protected.

Threats:
a) IE

b) Netscape Navigator

c) Opera

d) from a developer's perspective, IE comes bundled with OS, IE components are used to develop applications using Visual Programming languages and IE has its own XML parser. Firefox lacks a parser.

As long as Microsoft Windows continues to be a defacto standard for home PC's, firefox would have a hard time competing with IE. It's one thing to download a 4.9 MB application and entirely another to actually make a complete switch over. With the versatility that comes with IE, I doubt anyone would ever ditch IE completely.

If you guys disagree with something or would like to add some to the SWOT, please do tell me. Thanks

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