While in recent years, Microsoft's chief competitors such as Apple, Amazon and Google have beaten the once dominant company to the punch when it came to opening up and serving new markets, the company may be building momentum in parts of the industry where it once lagged behind, according to industry insiders. Shane O'Neill, the publisher of CIO Magazine, even went so far as to suggest in a blog post on his outlet's website that 2012 would be "Microsoft's year."
Indeed, it seems that many in the industry are beginning to feel this way after Microsoft unveiled new products at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Bloomberg Businessweek responded after putting Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, on the cover of its most recent magazine issue.
O'Neill suggested that while many experts have written off the company for its perceived sluggishness when it comes to responding to market problems, this potential weakness may not be as detrimental as once thought.
"This is a common criticism, but I would argue that 'late' doesn't matter as much anymore. Markets, especially a flexible, fly-by-night market like mobile, will be willing to give Microsoft a chance," O'Neill wrote.
If a rejuvenated consumer sentiment helps makes out of the newest Windows phones, the HTC Titan II and the Nokia Lumia 900, individuals who understand how to equip these phones for business purposes and then integrate them into larger business networks that incorporate these tools could become in demand.
However, even job seekers without a background in the lucrative field of mobile technology can take advantage of this year's openings by obtaining a Microsoft training certification in their specialization of choice.