The launch of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system (OS) launch set in October would be a potentially risky gamble which the software giant must take to stay relevant in a market dominated by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, according to Gartner.
Gartner revealed that with the launch of Windows 8, the US based software giant is attempting to deal with the excitement of the tablet market through addition of tablet interface to Windows.
Gartner vice president and distinguished analyst Michael Silver said when the PC dominated personal computing by providing a single device for messaging, Internet access, gaming and productivity, Windows was a powerhouse for Microsoft.
"However, smartphones and tablets, led by the iPhone and iPad, have changed the way people work, making the PC just one of several devices people use," Silver said.
"The PC is increasingly simply a peer with other devices."
According to Gartner, if Windows 8 goes successful among organisations, its impact would be large, further mit will make tough for IT departments to purchase personal computing devices in an era of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) initiatives.
"Microsoft’s approach is very different from Apple’s and Google’s, where phones and tablets have much more commonality than PCs and tablets," Silver said.
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"This plays to Microsoft’s strength in PCs, leveraging it not only to enter the tablet market, but also to improve its share of the smartphone market."
Simultaneously, major changes to Windows will also pose a risk for Microsoft as organisations bid to lessen technology risks by using mature, stable, well-supported products.
"Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing and will be formally launched in October, but the reality is that most organizations are still working on eliminating Windows XP and deploying Windows 7," Silver said.
"Organizations will need to decide whether they continue with Windows 7 and or consider Windows 8."
