Next Version of Windows Will Be Riskiest Product
Windows? Risky?
Is Windows a risky product for Microsoft? One could say no, as each new version of Windows is bundled with new PCs, making it an instantly huge seller.
But then you could get something like Windows Vista, which made huge strides in security and other subsystems over Windows XP, but still wasn't the new Windows that everyone wanted to use. Microsoft got it mostly right with Windows 7, and it's paying off now with 240 million licenses in its year on the market.
The big thing that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was excited about was putting computing into the cloud. Microsoft's focusing on cloud products, like the release of Office 365, but that aside, the interviewers wanted to know if the software company was taking any other risks.
Steve Ballmer was asked at an analyst conference what is Microsoft's riskiest product bet. The answer was "the next release of Windows."
To be fair, Ballmer did not clarify to say that it was Windows 8. It could have been Windows 7 SP1, though we doubt that the Service Pack that Microsoft itself has characterized as minor would be something risky for the company.
Last week, Microsoft Netherlands mentioned in a blog post, which has since been removed, that it will take about two years before Windows 8 hits the market.
Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
-
eklipz330 god damn... i was reading the article and then... WHY THE HELL DOES HE SWEAT SO MUCH?Reply -
phexac god damn... i was reading the article and then... OMG ANOTHER TOMS ARTICLE WITH NO SUBSTANCE!Reply -
MAGPC I think it will be a good move.Reply
Microsoft, just take care of your next step. Try to satisfy us The customers. -
mrhappy50 It's kinda nice that they are one of the only major companies with a REALLY energetic CEO.Reply -
Darkerson Yeah, they cant afford to make another mistake like Vista. Well I guess they can, but it will only give more leeway to the competition. Im just wondering if Windows 8 is truly is gonna be the departure from previous versions of Windows, as its been hinted at, or just further refinements like Windows 7 is.Reply -
Diverse I always hated Microsoft...but I always root for them, and I always want their products to succeed. Why the hell is that?Reply -
stevo777 I think 7 is decent. They will have to do quite a bit for 8, or I don't think people will want to migrate--just as many have not wanted to migrate from XP.Reply -
gmarsack Cloud, Phone 7, Kinect. Looking forward to how things unfold. Will be an interesting year a head.Reply -
Dkz He looks like an infected about to change into a full grown zombie!Reply
All that sweat!! That might have been a risky product.