To some, it’s hard to believe that Microsoft was once the world’s most valuable company. In fact, in inflation-adjusted dollars, Microsoft’s total market value of $616 billion in 1999 is still the record (yes, even higher than Apple today, in real dollars). However, Microsoft’s current market value is less than $240 billion.
Although Microsoft is still the leading company in operating system software, Internet browsers, and office software, it is a limited presence in the mobile, tablet, and other markets compared to Apple, Google, and others. And the PC demand for software is declining as PC sales give way to other forms of hardware.
Thus, TODAY is a R-E-A-L-L-Y BIG DAY for Microsoft. It is the official launch of Windows, a breakthrough operating system that is modern, uses touch-screen technology, and is made for the mobile era. Yet, long-time users may be confused over how Windows 8 actually works and be concerned about the loss of some features with which they are comfortable (such as the Start button).
Microsoft’s goals are to not only drive its own sales but to stimulate PC sales and generate consumer enthusiasm.
Here’s Shira Ovide’s take on Microsoft’s strategy for the Wall Street Journal: “Microsoft spent billions of dollars and more than three years remodeling its flagship product. Now the hard work begins: Getting consumers, software developers, and other allies excited about Windows again. The software giant on Thursday formally introduced the touch-oriented overhaul of the operating system that powers nine out of every 10 computers in the world and goes on sale Friday October 26. Microsoft’s new Windows 8 software is widely viewed as a test of whether the PC-era kingpin can become a factor in new-wave mobile devices — not just tablets but convertible devices that can operate in clamshell or slate-style modes. Microsoft says more than 1,000 new computers and tablets have been designed around Windows 8. The company and its allies are counting on Windows 8 to juice computer sales, which have hit their worst patch in more than a decade.”
Click the chart to see an interesting WSJ video on Windows 8.
I have such a strong feeling about this Windows 8 thing that I have to say something. I installed a preview version of Windows 8 and I think it’ll be a total flop. First of all, the user interface is completely different from the previous versions and a lot of re-training is required. Secondly, Microsoft just doesn’t realize that people just don’t like the stock software in Windows and they love the freedom get their own apps elsewhere. Windows 8 has an app store and a bunch of media players that I’m sure users won’t like. (It’s just not why people like windows in the first place) Thirdly, it is so designed for tablets that it should just be named “The New Windows Mobile”. I understand that Microsoft is trying to offer similar experience across different platforms, but the hardwares are different in nature. While consolidating cross-platform experience is a good thought, it is still important to remember the inherit difference between various devices.
Many critics agree with you.
This move by windows seems like it will have the same effect as New Coke did. They are making this move without questioning whether or not they will discredit who they have established themselves to be. Instead of trying to compete directly with apple who clearly has the first mover advantage in our increasingly mobile society they should be focusing on what comes next.
Good!
I used Windows 7 before, but now i have a Mac, actually, i still think that Windows is better than Mac, because the software i used in Windows can not installed in Mac, so sometimes i don’t believe Mac is more convenient than Windows. I want to use Windows again, and i hope Windows 8 will more useful.
We’ll see. A lot of experts are already criticizing it.
It seems that the Windows 8 is designed for touch-base system. It make every machine like a tablets. But how about those old model computers without the touchable screen? They can only enjoy the “classical model” or “old version” of Windows 8, it may leads people keep in Windows 7. And I just thinking about another phenomenon, many Mac book consumers’ who are not familiar with the ISO system choose setting up a virtual system of Windows as solution. As I thought ISO do not need screen-touch based and differentiate with competitor, it would not produce the touch screen Mac book, Windows 8 would lose those who want to try Windows 8’s Mac book users. In addition, I think the new system could be the driver of new model computer producing, to assist in the touchable system, more computer would apply the touchable screen, both laptop and desktop.
nice post