Microsoft Corporation(NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Windows 8
eventually hits the shelves this week as the former monopolist struggles to
remain relevant in the world that is going mobile. Microsoft nearly missed the world’s move from
desktops to tablets and smartphones, leading to a drop in their share of total
PCs and devices, as per Forrester.
Windows 8 is believed to be Microsoft’s attempt
to hold the enterprise space as well as make a mark in mobile devices. The
question here is whether or not trying to be all things to all kinds of people
will lead to a product that is nothing to anyone.
As per Henry Blodget, Microsoft is planning on
taking a massive risk by fixing a product that does not need mending. He said
that people are underestimating the amount of time that needs to be devoted
into learning Windows well over years.
Operating systems are taken for granted. When
Apple switched to a new OS, the tech fraternity goes wild although customers
shrug. Microsoft is trying to create a buzz for a better version of what is not
broken in the enterprise space that it still dominates. Windows 8 is designed
for touch-based devices specifically. The clunky laptops with touch screens are
supposed to go on sale at Best Buy shortly.
Microsoft’s Surface is slick, fast and impressive
looking. However, it is lacking the availability of applications. A predicted
3,500 apps will operate with the Surface on release as compared to a seemingly
infinite number of apps for Androids and iPads.
It is going to take a while to grade Microsoft’s
success or failure. If it can get IT departments to switch to 8 and make an
impression in mobile devices, it will be better than the trends that are in
place today. Blodget expects a much higher bar.
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