Microsoft’s Future Is Bright…If It Plays Its Cards Right

May 31, 2013
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Did Microsoft stumble with Windows 8? Was the dramatic overhaul of the Windows operating system just too much all at once?

Well, consider the fact that Microsoft could have left the desktop mode off and just switched to the new mobil-esque Modern UI of Windows 8. Granted, it would have been suicide for Microsoft, but that is effectively what Apple did when it made the switch to Mac OS X. There was no transition–no backwards compatibility. There was a hard line in the sand.

Microsoft needed to evolve to adapt to the shifting PC landscape and stake a claim in the new mobile world, but it needed to do so in a way that doesn’t simply abandon the virtual monopoly Windows enjoys on the desktop. Windows 8 may be a bit rough around the edges, but overall it accomplishes the goal. It feels a bit like two separate operating systems taped together at times, but it allows Windows to exist simultaneously on both sides of the fence, and gives users an OS that works on traditional desktop and laptop hardware, as well as on tablets and ultrabook hybrids.

Microsoft owns the desktop market, but the very concept of the desktop is fading, and traditional PC sales are plummeting as people move to mobile devices. Microsoft let iOS and Android get a jump start in that arena by by not taking the threat seriously, and failing to see the writing on the wall. It is coming late to the party, but it has a massive ecosystem on its side. If it can harness existing Windows software, networks, tools, and peripherals, it will have a distinct advantage over tablet rivals.

Windows 8 is risky. But, it was a necessary risk. Read Why Windows 8 Is Such A Crucial Step For Microsoft.

Article Categories:
Windows 8 · Windows RT

Mike Johnson is a writer for The Redmond Cloud - the most comprehensive source of news and information about Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Cloud. He enjoys writing about Azure Security, IOT and the Blockchain.

All Comments

  • Well, Microsoft did release Windows XP Tablet-P.C. Edition when it actually invented the Tablet-P.C. but it didn’t catch well, not due to bad software but because of its high price and the lack of Wi-Fi availability at the time.

    Mobile operating systems are ”cute”, they simply can’t do the the same full tricks as a desktop O.S. can, this is why I’d love to have a low-end Windows 8 Tablet-P.C. Microsoft needs 2 things, patience and price (low-prices), market penetration shall gradually increase and more developers shall make apps for it, Windows 8 is ”a heavy-weight O.S.” so it probably won’t come cheap, but being a loss leader can help it on long term, look at the Xbox, its low price made it into Microsoft’s ”cool” best-selling devices.

    Agosto Nuñez June 2, 2013 11:03 pm Reply
  • Well, Microsoft did release Windows XP Tablet-P.C. Edition when it actually invented the Tablet-P.C. but it didn’t catch well, not due to bad software but because of its high price and the lack of Wi-Fi availability at the time.
    Mobile operating systems are ”cute”, they simply can’t do the the same full tricks as a desktop O.S. can, this is why I’d love to have a low-end Windows 8 Tablet-P.C. Microsoft needs 2 things, patience and price (low-prices), market penetration shall gradually increase and more developers shall make apps for it, Windows 8 is ”a heavy-weight O.S.” so it probably won’t come cheap, but being a loss leader can help it on long term, look at the Xbox, its low price made it into Microsoft’s ”cool” best-selling devices.

    Agosto Nuñez June 2, 2013 11:03 pm Reply

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