Could we be witnessing the beginning of the end of Microsoft? I grew up watching this company go from a motivated software developer to a giant, near monopoly. With the numbers of PCs being sold dwindling the past few years (and tablet sales booming, especially for the iPad) can Microsoft reinvent itself as the leader in personal computing or will it fall on the face of Windows 8?
Windows 8 is a new operating system with aspirations to be the leading PC as well as tablet interface. It combines touchscreen technology and traditional point and click into one. There will be two versions, one that's a full computer (Windows 8), the other a streamlined lower end tablet with similar capabilities to an iPad (Windows RT) which doesn't have the ability to run Windows 7 apps.
The lower end Surface tablet won't be able to run the PC applications on your desktop. I use Photoshop and InDesign (among other desktop publishing and design apps) on my PC (as well as a MacBook Pro that sits beside it for multitasking and compatibility reasons). My iPad sits to my right wirelessly connected to a bluetooth keyboard where I do most of my writing, note taking and email. I also surf the web from my iPad but occasionally pop online with the PC or Mac.
I expect Windows 8 will eventually end up on my desk after IT rolls it out to the entire company, but will the experience be beneficial or detrimental to the work environment. Currently, IT is already overloaded with tech support tickets and user questions not to mention constantly fixing printer jams. I can only imaging how many employees will be looking for the familiar Start menu (something Microsoft has selected to omit).
The question remains if Microsoft will continue to dominate the personal computer market or fail with the introduction of Windows 8? If the new operating system is confusing many will insist on keeping their older PCs while creative types (like me) will opt for Macs and embed themselves within the Apple ecosystem. Honestly, the one machine I'd be willing to give up at work would be the PC. I'd rather keep the Mac (for it's stability running large files) and the iPad for its ease of use, efficient way of typing and incredible portability (it's the one machine I take home with me daily for work, play and researching future endeavors).
I look forward to seeing the new Window 8 operating system and want to better understand Microsoft's vision. Many very smart people work there (I know a handful and respect their skills). Maybe it will evolve into one machine for all people (sort of a combination PC and tablet in one) and provide connectivity to the web along with total access to my files? If it proves frustrating and impractical to operate, I wonder if we could all be witnessing their demise?
Posted with Blogsy
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