Why is Microsoft a Dominant Software Partner for Governments Across the World?
As one of the Big Five American IT companies, Microsoft is a partner one could only wish for. Apart from private partnerships, numerous governments across the world have been teaming up with the tech giant to improve their level of public services.
This cooperation is aimed both at government employees and the citizens they serve. The aims are versatile, from closing the recruitment talent gap, all the way to driving economic development through inclusive, predictable, and people-focused services.
Like any other enterprise, a national government has to store and process private information, while maintaining the highest standards of security. This is where Microsoft’s tech solutions come in, helping employees be more productive and even reduce the carbon footprint of governance.
The need for e-governance in the post-COVID era
The coronavirus pandemic turned the concept of e-government from a commodity into a necessity. Digital technologies are no longer something officials and politicians can ignore or postpone, as their citizens want to stay connected and productive even during crises.
Microsoft’s value proposition can be summed up in one phrase: “operational continuity.” In the case of the recent pandemic, this implies simultaneous protection of public health and a steadfast economic recovery; both part of a long-run digital transformation.
What are the challenges facing any digital transformation?
Simply being determined to modernize the bulky bureaucratic apparatus isn’t enough, as there is a common set of challenges facing any digital reformation. These include but are not limited to: budget issues, syncing the IT with the government, and risk management.
Dealing with budget constraints
Since they are legally accountable for the taxpayers’ hard-earned money, government budgeting is tenfold more lethargic and complicated than that of a privately-owned enterprise.
The slightest of expenses has to be justified, making it hard to preset a flexible budget necessary for a successful digital transformation.
Luckily, modern technology comes with the perk of reduced operational costs, enabling governments to work with a smaller initial budget which is increased over time due to savings. Moreover, the transition process or even a sudden crisis has the potential to unlock unexpected funds.
Getting the IT people and politicians on the same page
Another issue is the fact that a digital transformation is outsourced, meaning IT folks and government officials have to see eye-to-eye. This is hard even among different limited enterprises, let alone government officials who are often resistant to change.
Since they are not well-versed in information technologies, decision makers within the government frequently try to assume project ownership. In addition, they often step before IT companies with unclear outcomes of the digital transformation, thus jeopardizing the whole project.
Managing the risks
When a government database fails or gets compromised, it’s not purely a monetary issue, as millions of people rely on their government to provide everything from health services to public transportation.
In other words, the risks of a digital transformation going awry are enormous, making everyone in the process highly wary. That is why custom software development for governments does away with monolithic data storage solutions of the past, increasing security and resiliency.
Microsoft’s strategies for a successful digital transformation
Having evaluated all of the above-listed challenges, the good folks at Microsoft are able to define strategies for a successful digital transformation and present them to governments across the world.
Having a clear vision
Problem-oriented software solutions aren’t the best choice for governments, as they result in fragmented solutions and in the long run, missed opportunities.
A more senseful approach focuses on the outcomes, as a clear and measurable vision will ensure that leaders don’t believe they have to be experts on technology.
Such an approach, supported by cloud-based systems, could handle increases in demand with ease, unlike traditional systems that fare poorly in times of large fluctuations (e.g. when national employment levels drop).
Before approaching Microsoft, government decision makers should know what they are really trying to achieve and how to measure these improvements. On the other side, the IT folks should explain the technology’s role in this process, stressing the cybersecurity and prospective resiliency of their systems.
Active communication
It is important that both the government and the IT company (in this case, Microsoft), share not only goals and benefits but the responsibility for the process of digital transformation. The speed of implementation increases and the potential risks are reduced when both sides are synced.
The key to successful business cooperation is active communication and opening as many com channels as necessary. An example of a responsible approach is the involvement of the IT company after the completion of the project, when they assume a more consultative role.
On their part, government officials need to understand that from now on, IT will no longer be synonymous with budgeting and procurement but a trusted partner that they will communicate with on a daily basis.
Sharing the success story
Since trust plays a vital role in the whole process, detailed success stories help Microsoft establish new partnerships.
Government officials they have successfully worked with in the past are more than happy to reconnect with the tech giant to share their success story.
A rich portfolio has the power to persuade less forward-thinking government officials that a digital transformation in their part of the world is possible.
Incremental IT modernization
We’ve discussed that all-encompassing solutions are better than partial ones but they need to extend into the future as well. In other words, solutions that Microsoft offers to governments enable innovations, thus eliminating potential costly wholesale replacements.
Old systems can always be wrapped with containerization, APIs, and visualization to enhance the end-user’s satisfaction and facilitate modernization. Needless to say, this development is performed within a cloud that makes for a perfect test environment.
Conclusion
Yes, Microsoft possesses the logistics and the capability to aid government agencies in reducing operational costs and boosting their country’s economic recovery.
However, it is a clear digital transformation strategy that sets them apart. A well-delineated outcome that results in the right software solution is what essentially makes Microsoft the ideal partner for governments across the globe.
