Which is likely to fade faster: Microsoft's influence in the industry or the popularity of "Gangnam Style"?
I guess that's unfair to ask -- lots of people still like the song (Ba-da-bum! I'll be here all week).
Kidding aside, it's a fair question to ask, not only for ourselves but also for the folks working in the "House That Bill Built." It's been common (and perplexing) knowledge that Microsoft has seen more than its share of missteps in the last few years, based on the misplaced notion that everything will continue to run on Windows. But PC sales are dropping while tablets are going like hotcakes, with researchers projecting even further increases in sales. Tablet devices continue coming in more flavors.
Many people feel the company failed to attack the tablet market properly, similar to Microsoft's delayed action in the smartphone industry. Gartner research VP Carolina Milanesi believes that the company's obsession with the enterprise market has limited Microsoft's vision.
Personally, I still prefer a laptop over a tablet: I like the additional "oomph" I get out it. However, I can't deny that as I type this on my ThinkPad, my tablet is next to me to check my email, news, Twitter feeds, etc. The convenience and portability simply can't be beat.
All may not be lost if the Windows Blue rumors are to be believed. But the question remains whether Microsoft can continue this "come from behind" tactic, or if its once mighty grip on the industry has finally slackened.
What do you think? Is Microsoft losing its touch, or will Windows Blue put the company back on top? Drop me a line.
Tom LaSusa
Community Manager
InformationWeek.com 
No comments:
Post a Comment