Microsoft has been named the most valuable software brand of 2022, according to the latest report by leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance. With a brand value of US$184.2 billion, Microsoft is leagues ahead of the rest of the world’s top 15 most valuable software brands featured in the study, and accounts for 61% of the total brand value in the ranking.

Every year, Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes nearly 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. For the first time, the world’s top 15 most valuable and strongest software brands are included in a separate industry ranking – the Brand Finance Software 15 2022.

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Microsoft’s decision to pivot towards cloud computing has paid dividends throughout the pandemic, with the brand perfectly positioned to help businesses successfully navigate the abrupt shift to remote working. This year saw year-on-year revenue increase, with an impressive 22% growth for Office 365 Commercial being one of the key drivers.

Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, who spearheaded this transformation, was also named the top brand guardian in the Brand Finance Brand Guardianship Index 2022, which ranks the world’s top 250 Chief Executives according to how well they manage and grow their company’s brand. Mr. Nadella has been credited with overhauling Microsoft’s fortunes by changing its culture towards one of teamwork, innovation, inclusivity, and instilling a growth mindset throughout the business.

Speaking on the development, David Haigh, Chairman & CEO of Brand Finance, said that “Ultimately, the role of a brand guardian is to build brand and business value. Our ranking recognises those who are building business value in a sustainable manner, by balancing the needs of all stakeholders – employees, investors, and the wider society.”

Apart from calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Certified by ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 100,000 respondents in more than 35 countries and across nearly 30 sectors.

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According to these criteria, Microsoft is also the strongest software brand in the world, with a Brand Strength IndexTM score of 87.4 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA brand rating. Last year, Microsoft announced a five-year commitment to help bridge the disability divide through the continued development of more accessible technology, as well as building a more inclusive workplace within the company itself.

According to Lorenzo Coruzzi, Associate at Brand Finance, “Microsoft played a key role in the world’s transition to the new normal, and as one of the world’s most valuable brands, its innovative mindset and financial muscle stand it in great stead to dominate the sector for the foreseeable future.”

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry