From Needing Windows to Loving Windows

At yesterday’s Windows 10 event, Satya Nadella highlighted the theme I think encapsulated both what Microsoft is trying to do with the new operating system and what it needs to do more broadly as a company. In his closing remarks, Nadella said (I’m paraphrasing slightly in the absence of an official transcript):

  • “We want to go from users needing Windows to choosing Windows to loving Windows”
  • “We want people to love Windows on a daily basis”
  • “We want to make Windows 10 the most loved release of Windows”

What these three phrases have in common is the use of the word “love” in relation to Windows. That’s strikingly new language for Microsoft and it’s a big departure from how I think many people view Microsoft and its products today. As with much Nadella has said over the past year, it’s also refreshingly honest in its recognition of Microsoft’s current status as the default option but not a chosen option (let alone a loved one). Microsoft thrived in the past on being the de facto standard in both operating systems and productivity suites (mostly in the absence of mass market, affordable alternatives) but it can no longer do so in a world where Apple is resurgent, Google increasingly dominant in certain categories, and free options in many categories abound. Microsoft now needs to return to getting customers to choose it, and that in turn means getting them to associate positive things with the brand and the products.

The big challenge: does anyone love operating systems?

As a goal, I think this is laudable and appropriate for Microsoft – it’s a great rallying cry internally, apart from anything else. But as it applies to Windows specifically, I think the biggest challenge is that no one loves their operating system. If people love an experience on a computing device, it’s usually associated with the device as a whole, and often times with the device maker rather than the software developer. Apple doesn’t have this problem as such, since it combines both in a single company. But for Microsoft (and for Google, as I’ve written before), the challenge is I suspect people associate positive computing experiences with the device much more than the operating system. This could change and, in the case of Windows, the core experiences are at least preserved more or less intact compared with the Android experience on many OEM devices, but I think it’s a fundamental challenge for this idea of “users loving Windows”.

The single operating system is not a consumer pitch

Another challenge is, despite the common naming, I’m not sure consumers will buy the idea of Windows 10 as a single operating system, or that this idea will even matter to them. As Microsoft has taken pains to point out, the OS is optimized for different form factors and so won’t even necessarily feel like the same OS on different devices, especially now Microsoft is rolling back some of the touch-centric UI stuff in Windows 8. These will feel like different operating systems in many respects, as they should (I wrote previously about the mistake Microsoft made with Windows 8 in making the two seem too similar). What I think is much more compelling is Microsoft’s concept of the “Mobility of Experiences”, which refers to the ability to carry over experiences from one device to another. It’s definitely an echo of Apple’s Continuity concept, something Microsoft is now clearly embracing wholeheartedly. Interestingly, Google has always focused its cross-device integration at the services layer, whereas Apple and Microsoft are now clearly baking it into the OS (something I first wrote about here). Many of those experiences will carry over between specific apps, some of them not even running on Windows, rather than between versions of Windows 10. Again, I’m not sure Windows 10 is the thing users will come to love even if this works well.

Need for OS loyalty above services

So, why is Microsoft even pushing the OS so strongly? The theme over the last few months has been one of cross-platform development and services which were agnostic to which device or OS they were running on. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s operating systems remain also-rans on the fastest growing device categories and it might be tempted to give up or dial back. Instead, Satya Nadella made an incredibly clear statement in his closing remarks at Wednesday’s event, to the effect that Microsoft will make its services and the application endpoints for them available everywhere, but Windows will be the home for the best Microsoft experiences. The flaw with the cross-platform mantra is it’s impossible for Microsoft to bake its services as deeply into Apple and Google’s operating systems as they are into its own and, at the same time, both Google and Apple are integrating their services ever more deeply into their OS’. In this world, Microsoft can at best run an “over the top” strategy which focuses on the application layer, but as integration of first party services into voice assistants, cloud storage and the like becomes ever more important, it will be tough for Microsoft to keep up as long as it’s reliant on third party operating systems for distribution. That – I believe – is the reason why Microsoft is still talking up and trying to gain share for its own operating systems, including Windows Phone, despite the seemingly overwhelming odds. As Nadella put it, Microsoft experiences and services will be “uniquely harmonized” in Windows in a way they can’t be anywhere else.

Building love beyond Windows

For all the reasons I’ve talked about, I think getting consumers to love Windows is a tall order and I don’t know if Microsoft will be successful in the way Nadella describes. But I do think getting customers to change their perceptions of Microsoft is critical if it’s to transform itself and grow in the future. However, that love (if it comes) can’t be centered in an operating system. It will be directed at key specific experiences that Microsoft creates. Getting consumers to engage with those experiences means changing their perceptions of what kind of company Microsoft has become. To that end, I think Wednesday’s unveiling of HoloLens and Windows Holographic is hugely important in building a narrative that Microsoft is a technology company that can truly innovate and bring new experiences to market. If Microsoft is to be successful in the consumer market, it does need to engender more than just a grudging acceptance of its products and get consumers to actively choose, and then enjoy using, its products. From what we saw Wednesday, Microsoft has a good start on doing this in gaming, but the rest is more up in the air.

Published by

Jan Dawson

Jan Dawson is Founder and Chief Analyst at Jackdaw Research, a technology research and consulting firm focused on consumer technology. During his sixteen years as a technology analyst, Jan has covered everything from DSL to LTE, and from policy and regulation to smartphones and tablets. As such, he brings a unique perspective to the consumer technology space, pulling together insights on communications and content services, device hardware and software, and online services to provide big-picture market analysis and strategic advice to his clients. Jan has worked with many of the world’s largest operators, device and infrastructure vendors, online service providers and others to shape their strategies and help them understand the market. Prior to founding Jackdaw, Jan worked at Ovum for a number of years, most recently as Chief Telecoms Analyst, responsible for Ovum’s telecoms research agenda globally.

224 thoughts on “From Needing Windows to Loving Windows”

  1. After watching the Windows 10 event I felt better about Microsoft than I’ve felt in years.

    The Windows 8 development felt forced and totally directed toward tablets. Then when I finally got a Windows 8.1 tablet to use, I was blown away (one of Microsoft’s favorite terms at the Windows 10 event) by how BAD it was. To do just about anything you had to drop back to a desktop control or app. Incredibly bad. And I had been using Windows 8 on a notebook for 2 years by then.
    I’ve got a new tablet on order and will install the newest version of Windows 10 that I can find. I’m curious to see if it’s better. I haven’t gone to Windows 10 on my daily notebook just because it’s had some major issues in some of the interim releases. So the tablet and a development system will be my tests.
    It’s possible that things will turn around for Microsoft. Both Apple and Google came from a much lower phone market shares when they introduced their first phones (zero?). Nobody then thought Blackberry would have a lower market share than Microsoft after all.

    1. Perhaps here’s the problem with Microsoft’s failed strategy BEFORE (windows everywhere) and AFTER yesterday’s announcement (Windows Everywhere): Nothing has changed. Literally nothing.

      “I’ve got a new tablet on order and will install the newest version of Windows 10 that I can find.”

      You were already deeply ingrained with Windows ecosystem – using/adopting anything from Microsoft. You were & are “Windows Everywhere”.

      Problem: no one else was/is. Or even want to be.

      For those vast majority of users (and growing significantly). Literally nothing is of benefit or helps all their users.

      It’s a question of needs: Windows everywhere, Surface Tablet integration, and Windows Phone integration was not and is not on any user’s list of needs.

      This is not a good sign. Microsoft is not listening or serving their users’ needs.

      1. In a rapidly changing world, maybe Microsoft doesn’t always have to change. Smartphones will get bigger and faster. Simple tasks that we currently do on smartphones may be offloaded to smartwatches.

        If this is the case, smartphones users may want to do more PC-like tasks on their phones, which would fit with Microsoft’s strategy.

        Apple draws the line between tablets and PCs. That’s the border between iOS and Mac OS X. Will this always be where the line should be drawn? I’m not so sure.

        Just a thought, but I got the impression that you were treating the user needs as a constant, and I would be more cautious.

        1. Oh no. That was my mistake if I came across saying user needs are constant they’re not. (Though enterprise users are the most conservative & most resistant to change).

          Microsoft does not *have* to change. Of course not. But they’re are technology company. If they’re fine with staying constant & falling behind – that’s their choice. Perhaps we should then view Microsoft more along the lines of General Electric; Big, bureaucratic, completely irrelevant conglomerate.

      2. I’ll admit that I’m immersed in the Windows world. My job depends on me understanding and providing a product that helps Windows. That’s why I’m happy that Microsoft appears to be improving.

        As an OEM employee, I helped create some of the early Windows notebooks. I owe many years of my career to Microsoft’s steady pull to improve the products and watched in dismay as Windows 8 became disjointed and was released as a partial solution to both mainstream Windows machines and the beginnings of the tablet products.

        As a multi-generation Windows Mobile user, I watched as the original iPhones were released and then I switched to the Nexus One and several follow-on Google devices. Having worked on PCs that could be upgraded to the latest OS for many years, I grew tired of the way Google would drop development on their slightly one year old phones. About that time I switched to iPhones and iPads. I’ve been a very happy Apple user for many years now. I keep my devices for several years and Apple provides regular updates to them. My Apple phone and tablet devices integrate very nicely with my PCs thank you.

        I have to agree that Windows everywhere is not a requirement for this user. I really don’t care that the Mint app I use on my Apple devices is different than the Mint web site that I use on my PC. I only care that data is available. I’m happy to use Tweetbot on my phone and tablet because Twitter isn’t something I do on my notebook. I use a Roku on the TV to access Hulu and Netflix. When I want to watch Netflix and Hulu on my tablet, I easily use their native apps.

        As a user, I really don’t care which machine I’m using. As long as it’s the best one for the job. It just can’t be annoying for the uses. I’m not anti-Microsoft nor am I pro-Microsoft. I’m actually pro-user.

        The last company that I was anti was Apple of the 90s.

        I feel that Microsoft helped keep the PC ecosystem alive and growing strong for many years. In a way, their stumbles and pratfalls of the last few years have been at least partially responsible for the market growth troubles that we’ve had.

        1. I can see your sympathy of apathy for Microsoft.

          Unfortunately – even as you have noticed – they’re not addressing any of their user needs RIGHT NOW.

          They’re continuing to push for advancement of their needs – regardless of the fact that no one is need of them.

          Of all MS devices that have been & currently is a failure – is the Surface tablet. Windows Phone – although close to failure – *is* seeing slight uptick in entry-level market.

          But even then Windows Phone 10 completely ignore’s those users’ (whom never owned a smartphone, let a lone a PC) needs. What was shown in Windows Phone 10 were more features meant to capture mid to high-end users in the America… and app developers. It’s absolutely dumbfounding that Microsoft is ignoring their only hope (entry-level). No hope for mid to high-end market for phones especially in North America.

  2. Microsoft has three large problems in the consumer space: they have a bad rep, they are too far behind the leaders Apple and Google (who are not standing still), and they are too married to Windows. They made one serious error after another and now the market has moved on.

    1. Worse yet. Yesterday’s announcement actually reinforces that failed error. Windows comes first and it must be everywhere!

      “You WILL learn (forced) to love it”

  3. My main issues with the last few years of MS consumer OS efforts have been execution, execution and execution. So it’s nice to know they have the PR all set up for a nice consumer push, “Love” countering “Magic”, but.. I’ll wait and see.
    I disagree with you in that I think Metro is in theory a nice consumer interface including on the desktop: LiveTiles are a nice half-measure between iOS’s dumb icons (and Windows Desktop/MacOS desolate emptiness speckled with random app and file icons) and Android rich but more complex and typically less cute Widgets. But desktop Metro was forced on users before being finished, with missing OS tools, missing UI elements, missing apps (Office ??) – and what was there was very often terribad, even the 1st-party apps (mail client, Skype…).
    We’ll see how successful they are in populating the new mixed mode Modern/Retro environment with good apps and tools, and getting others to do it. If, like now, my poor parents still have to spend over half the time on the Desktop because Metro is so full of holes, I’ll chalk it up as yet another miss.
    At least in developed countries, there *is* a large contingent of consumers with a built-in interest in Windows on Mobile: because they’ve got to use Windows at work anyway, they’d rather use it at home too to save learning another ecosystem, even if it’s less pleasant than iOS/Android; and also, there are lingering doubts about iOS/Android interfacing with Exchange, Office…

    1. Nice post. But re: your last para, I posit that relatively few people are both comfortable with their skills on Windows, AND wanting that level of in-depth capability / management of complexity on their phones. Different Jobs To Be Done; different UIs with which to do it; different duration of a session; etc.

      Apple and Google have been quite comfortable with Windows’ approach here, and so far, I’d argue it’s not the half-hearted execution, but the attempt to shoehorn an Enterprise-class Starship OS into something you can pick up and check the weather with. Perhaps the execution reflects the inherent tensions of the objectives; it takes a while to pick the right compromises versus determining where an utterly new paradigm is needed to bust through what appears to be a tradeoff.

      Of course, you can ignore all the options of having your WX app alert you when the temperature is forecast to fall below zero, but the conflict is inevitable in what options are afforded, and which are left out for simplicity.

      1. agreed completely.

        iOS interface reflects their user needs for the jobs to be done.

        Forcing Windows Everywhere and its UI on all platforms – perhaps is not what users want.

      2. Jan points out;

        These will feel like different operating systems in many respects, as they should.

        At least Microsoft is iterating hard to find the sweet spot where the inherent tensions/conflicts balance out. It will be interesting to see how well they have managed.

        I think it’s also worth noting that as technology improves and smartphones get larger, the sweet spot will shift. It is possible that the Jobs-to-be-done of a smartphone will change with time. It is plausible that it will shift towards towards jobs that we previously associated with PCs.

        If this is the case and execution is good, it may end out that Microsoft was actually ahead of the curve. I just think that we have to keep in mind that Jobs-to-be-done can change.

        1. I see you’re point. But that will surely be not “ahead of the curve” but more along the lines of way out there solving an issues we don’t have needs for currently or in the near future.

          Think Newton.

        2. Yes, hardware & refined software can shift — HAS SHIFTED — the mix of what fits on a phone, and will fit on a wearable, etc.

          Also of note is users’ expectations and experience. The iOS7 shift that removed a lot of iPhone skeuomorphism, for example, wasn’t a disaster because users had a better sense of what interaction to expect on any given view of an app. Apple retained the red handset-down button for “hang up,” but other frequent functions lost their button-ness. Again, it works because we easily infer that tapping on a word invokes an action, rather than just show us some info.

          PS: writing “hang up” reminded me how obsolete our language has become as IT has failed to keep up. Nobody “dials” a call and we don’t end a call by hanging up the earpiece onto its hook. Again, all part of changing user expectations and objectives.

      3. I’m not sure the choice is that much of either/or.
        Windows/Modern really is an extra layer on top of Windows/Desktop, exactly like Android is an extra layer on top of Linux, and iOS on top of BSD. With tweaks and cruft that the mobile environment completely invalidates taken away. There’s no reason any underlying OS should be worse for mobile-izing than the other 2, and actually Windows Phone is praised for running well on low-end hardware.
        The one difference is that MS is trying from the get-go to get Modern to work for both Mobile and Desktop scenarios, while iOS is emphatically refusing to, and Android is doing it, but rather accidentally (there’s not really that much to it once apps have a Tablet layout). Modern/Desktop is a bit redundant for now, because of old-Windows/Desktop. But looking forward, assuming the OS and apps reach a satisfactory state, that enables 2 important things: mixed-mode devices (phones and tablets that become real desktops once docked), and cleaning up Windows’ legacy apps quagmire (that is making the transition to high-DPI very complicated; forces MS to maintain tons of legacy APIs and code, opens umpteen security leaks…)

        1. Oh, so not “exactly like”, then. That’s part of the contention with Microsoft’s Windows Everywhere approach. You nailed it: Modern is a layer on top of Desktop.

          Whereas: iOS is a layer on top of BSD exactly like OS X is a layer on top of BSD. Both having both shared and different modules at same level.

      4. Actually, thinking more about it, I think MS should release compatibility libraries (à la .NET, VC++ runtime…) to make Modern10 apps compatible with XP, 7 Vista and 8. That way devs can start targeting exclusively Modern10 w/o waiting for the user base to upgrade their OS.

        1. This would indeed demonstrate that they’re transitioning to mobile/modern, rather than trying to revive the growth rate of Windows.

          I’d wager—and given your puckishness, doubt you’d take the other side—that Redmond would find your enchanting idea “infeasible for a whole range of technical reasons,” number one of which would be what I allude above.

          1. Except they *ARE* trying to revive growth rate of Windows. Last week’s announcement: Windows Everywhere is alive and well. Running at Full Force.

            Everyone hated the Surface & sales were a failure – Microsoft’s response= too bad.

            Windows Hub & Windows Holograph.. Windows will LITERALLY be everywhere.

            “We want people to LOVE Windows.” Another sigh: Azure cross-platform back-end service dream is dead.

          2. Well, yes, it’d be bonkers to forgo sales of current products.

            I meant just that their energies MUST BE (and excusing some ordinary mistakes that every individual & organization is prone to), HAS BEEN looking to the future. What they realize now is that they can ill afford to presume their solid reputation on the desktop will move their customers into mobile. Apple derided this as a “refrigerator-toaster” strategy, but the real mismatch is assuming that ordinary consumers — I think mostly ordinary Americans — want the same types of tools in their pocket that they use at their desks. Sure it’s nice to have the same metaphors, but only up to a point — I want a totally different interface for the bike that I now mostly commute on, than I want on my car that I formerly used exclusively.

  4. The old adage, “it takes two to tango” applies to Apple products. I don’t think you could love Yosemite if you didn’t love the hardware too. You wouldn’t love iOS if it wasn’t for the iPhone, iPad or even still-kicking iPod touch’s elegance, style and build quality.

    People may come to “like” Windows a bit more once 10 (or X in Apple speak) is released but since they probably won’t “love” the hardware it’s running on it’ll never reach the heights that Nadella desires.

    For all the progress Microsoft has made with the Surface Pro 3 I don’t think anyone loves it. If they did I’d find it hard to love a $130 keyboard accessory with its baby-sized trackpad and Dollar Store-quality stylus holder that’s literally a loop of paper stuck to the side of the keyboard. Clearly the product wasn’t lovingly made so how can anyone love it in return?

    I was actually impressed with what Microsoft demonstrated but the proof will be in the deliverable later this year. While I’m extremely excited for the future of HoloLens I scratch my head when I look at Explorer and the lack of energy Microsoft put into coming up with a new way to manage, store and view files. If ever there was a time to do something different with file management now would be the time.

    When Apple first introduced QuickLook it was a revelation. What?!! I can view (almost) any file just by tapping the space bar?! I don’t have to open Word to view a Word document?!! I can sample a music file or video without opening an application?!! That’s bonkers!! That changes how I manage and view files. Not to mention tagging and Version Control.

    I know we still have time before Win10 is released but I’d like to think that if they were going to reimagine the entire file structure of Windows they would’ve at least mentioned they were working on it. Instead we still have to wait several months before the Spartan browser is ready for prime time.

    1. Not only do people not “love” the Surface 3… practically No One owns/bought one!

      Of the near zero sales for prior versions of Surface…. Surface 3 sales are even LOWER (not higher or better as some mistakenly believe).

      Regarding you’re mention of QuickLook, file systems, version control, and other features that will actually IMPROVE your Windows workflow…. EXACTLY.

      This is exactly what Windows users have been asking for – for years! That would satisfy Microsoft’s user needs. No one was asking for the failed Surface interface to be integrated into Windows as Windows 10 does. No one. No one is asking for ANOTHER proprietary Internet Explorer (remember IE 6?) and yet they give us Spartan.

      Microsoft is not serving their customers. They stopped along time ago.

      1. I might not love MS, but I really like my SP3. I own a lot of computers, and aside from my desktop, it’s my favorite computer. So when you say “no one”, last I checked, I had 46 chromosomes. I’ve seen them in meetings more and more (yes, I was surprised at first). I also got a lot of interest from people considering one after seeing mine.

        I care far less about the flimsy loop for the pen, than I do for the fact that it actually has a pen.

        Still, I don’t know why anyone that’s not a MS financial stakeholder would give a hoot about how many sold.

        1. Developers…. then users because of lack of good apps… then other developers…and the vicious circle continues.

          It’s simply unfortunate that instead of addressing their actual market & customer needs – they instead develop & place an enormous amount of their resources on devices & platforms no one wants and destined for failure.

          They should focus on their core market. Provide & serve their core customer needs.

          Think for a moment before Surface, how many of their customers would list a Surface like device/platform as a top need? (vs. say fixing Outlook, Windows Networking, file management, IE replacement, backup, etc…)

          1. I think one issue is that MS’s core customer are Corps. But Corps’ actual users are also Consumers. If MS keep focusing on Corps and only Corps, BYOD (non-MS then) will keep scraping away at MS’s stranglehold on the Corp market, until it’s no longer a monopoly, because once Corps can handle iOS and Android clients, handling MacOS and ChromeOS even Linux clients is not much extra work, and once you’ve got such heterogeneous clients, heterogeneous servers and apps are probably just as good as an MS back-end monoculture too.
            The other issue is that Consumer in général and Mobile in particular are booming, and MS wants a piece of that, maybe needs a piece of that because Entreprise is no longer booming, maybe not even growing.

          2. agreed.

            That’s why I and most analysts think Legacy Windows (“Windows Everywhere” or Windows First mentality) is dragging them down/killing them.

            Best possible outcome (though unlikely) break-up Microsoft:

            1. Windows + Windows Server + IE + WinPhone + Surface = “Legacy Microsoft”

            2. Office + Azure cloud + other stuff = “Microsoft”

            Once this happens, Microsoft can be free without the burden of fighting for Windows dominance on old fought battles. Can truly focus on building the BEST productivity apps, services, and clouds for ALL platforms.

            Right now it can’t.

            BTW I really you’re opinions. (even if I don’t always agree). Thanks for keeping the name-calling of this.

    2. Let’s do quotes then: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
      MS obviously have realized they need to make hardware and build Consumer and Mobile ecosystems (image/PR, apps, service, hardware). They’re iterating through the learning process.
      The hardware has undoubtedly gotten better each generation. The PR at least seems to exist now. Apps/OS are still a sore point, and service is an interesting item, because though they lack retail shops, they do have a lot of trained techs in corporations, and many users do have some experience with MS OSes+Apps.

      As for the File Explorer features you mention, 1- nobody has ever asked me for any of this 2- they’re here: preview pane, version control, and tags. You’re mostly saying your knowledge of Windows is outdated. The one complaint I have about Windows file management is that moving the user directory out of the system drive is cumbersome: has to be done for 5 subdirs instead of the root of the user dir.

      1. I don’t want to write a diatribe on the differences, check that, advantages OS X has over Windows 7, 8 and even 10 as it’s clear that this could never be settled in this forum.

        I’ll just say that I’m very familiar with Windows’ capabilities and trust me, things like Preview Pane and tagging pale in comparison to what OS X can do. I’d actually question your experience with OS X as I can’t see anyone calling Preview Pane a more robust solution than QuickLook. It’s just not possible. Might as well argue that games looked better on Nintendo 64 than they do now for the Playstation 4.

        But here’s where I’m not sure you’re entirely caught up on current events as it relates to Microsoft. You say they don’t have retail shops. According to the wiki there’s over 60 Microsoft Stores worldwide. The fact that you don’t know about these stores probably speaks to Microsoft’s larger PR issue.

        And yes, while each generation of Surface has gotten better I believe their new venture into hardware flies in the face against every business model they’ve ever had up to this point. Never mind that they’re flushing billions down the toilet by making all future upgrades of Windows free.

        Microsoft’s back is against the wall. They continue to lose major ground to both Apple and Google so frankly they have no choice but to brave new waters. I just don’t know how long they can sustain a business model they have zero experience in while also admitting that they’re not at all competing with the OEM’s they do business with. Cognitive dissonance aside I still think they can be successful but to a fault.

        I guess we’ll all find out together.

          1. Hmmm… one store for every 100 million people on the planet; they haven’t exactly gone berserk.

            And yet, I’d think only a tiny fraction of Microsoft revenues come through them. Got figures to show how they have a solid match between their products and their sales channels?

          2. Microsoft Stores are like Samsung stores.

            They’re dead. Potentially has a future… but will require a change in leadership.

          3. There are precisely zero Microsft stores in the UK. The UK business registrar quietly closed Microsoft Retail business registration a while ago due to non use. The only outlsets for Windows phone are in carrier outlets where they compete with iPhone and Android, not an easy position, and arrier stores are not a good environment to evaluate a phone’s UI. Finally there are 38 Apple store in UK and many independent official affiliates who specialise in Apple, whose stores appear just like Apple stores. Latest Windows 10 Preview suggests MS really doens know what to do with the Start menu, it’s a time of confusion in their design dept I feel.

        1. agreed.

          And *this* is precisely why Myself and many others believe the best thing for Microsoft is a breaking up.

          Spin off Legacy old Windows (Windows Everywhere & Windows First mentality is a SIGNIFICANT strategy Tax & killing them)

          1. Windows + Win Server + IE + WinPhone + Surface = Legacy Microsoft

          2. Office + Azure + others = Microsoft.

          Until then, any strategy from any division will always run in conflict/counter to each other in the long term.

      2. I’ve dropped out (retired) from the Enterprise environment, but if the firms where I had experience are representative, approximately nobody will turn to their IT departments for support of anything that is the tiniest bit personal. That plus the yawning gap in the retail experience — Ms Ahrendts’s $73 million package might be a significant share of what Microsoft spends IN TOTAL for its retail operation — means that even if Microsoft is “iterating,” they could be falling further behind in their ability to support ordinary consumers.

        I’ve written other places about the Apple retail effort, which started over a decade ago under Jobs’s direct care, included getting a senior retail exec on Apple’s board, and now has about as many employees as all of Microsoft. Retail is a long-standing and core effort for Apple, not heroics or heroism. Microsoft as yet hasn’t chosen to make that effort, and until we see one, we can assume that Microsoft has chosen to content itself with an Enterprise emphasis.

  5. I don’t think about “love” regarding my computing devices. I do think that I know them, I like them, I can use them to do what I want to do. I am pleased, sometimes impressed, when the new device or OS version introduces something that I didn’t know I could use and benefit from. Preferences, likes, accustomed-to’s — yes. Love — no.

    The goal of having “users” “love” sounds like a philosophical impossibility. The goal as I hear it, sounds like those lonely socially-awkward people struggling to turn over a new leaf so they can become the most popular kid in high school. Perhaps this goal of having people love Windows reveals what is really wrong with the company. It is led by people who really do love Windows and they can’t figure out why most people, even their own users, don’t love it like they do.

    1. I agree, love isn’t the right word. I’ll give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt for now. They probably mean love more in the sense of how pleased and satisfied users can be. I don’t love my gear either, from Apple or others, but I am very pleased and have a very positive experience with it, I appreciate things that work well. I’m hoping Microsoft means ‘love’ more in that sense. But if they do mean love as in LOVE, then Microsoft is simply lost.

  6. it is all about perception
    and the feeling I get is that MS wants us not to look for things we may need (or think we need) but for things we may want in the future,
    I have a 30 year on-off history w MS and when I saw the holographic stuff it sends shivers down my spine remembering similar things from the past,
    I wont list them, we all know them,
    the slide background had a certain blue nuance resembling “norwegian blue”,
    and the speakers went on yada yada yada “nice plumage, isn’t it”
    /B
    ps google “norwegian blue” if the reference don’t ring a bell ds

  7. Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to take a look.
    I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my
    followers! Outstanding blog and brilliant style and design.

  8. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
    I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would
    appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

  9. Greetings from California! I’m bored to death at work
    so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone
    during lunch break. I love the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait
    to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..

    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb blog!

  10. Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
    it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, wonderful blog!

  11. Definitely imagine that that you said. Your favorite justification appeared
    to be at the internet the simplest factor to take into account of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst people think about issues that
    they just don’t recognise about. You managed to hit
    the nail upon the top and also outlined out the whole
    thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  12. Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hey there, You have done a fantastic job.
    I’ll certainly digg it and for my part recommend to my friends.
    I’m sure they will be benefited from this web site.

  13. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
    My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors
    would really benefit from a lot of the information you present
    here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks a lot!

  14. Howdy! I realize this is somewhat off-topic but I had
    to ask. Does operating a well-established website like yours require a massive amount work?

    I’m completely new to running a blog however I do write in my journal everyday.

    I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and feelings online.
    Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for
    brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  15. Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate!
    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  16. I got this web site from my friend who informed
    me on the topic of this web page and now this time I am browsing this website
    and reading very informative articles or reviews at
    this place.

  17. You could definitely see your skills in the article
    you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how
    they believe. Always follow your heart.

  18. Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot.
    I am hoping to give one thing again and aid others like you aided me.

  19. Your style is unique in comparison to other
    folks I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the
    opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this page.

  20. Hi there! I know this is somewhat off-topic however I needed to ask.
    Does operating a well-established blog like yours take a lot of
    work? I’m completely new to blogging but I do write in my diary on a daily basis.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and views online.
    Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for new aspiring
    blog owners. Appreciate it!

  21. Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my blog thus i came to
    return the favor?.I am attempting to in finding issues to enhance
    my website!I suppose its ok to make use of a few of your ideas!!

  22. Superb blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.

    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out
    there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Bless you!

  23. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I
    find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid
    others like you aided me.

  24. Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too magnificent.
    I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what
    you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it entertaining and you still care for
    to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you.
    This is actually a terrific website.

  25. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing,
    it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  26. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks?
    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much
    appreciated.

  27. Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog site?
    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny
    bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear
    concept

  28. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have keep in mind your stuff prior to and you are just
    too magnificent. I really like what you’ve bought here, really
    like what you’re saying and the way in which by which you
    say it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it wise.

    I can’t wait to read far more from you. That is actually a wonderful site.

  29. Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?

    My website goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly
    benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!

  30. I’m really impressed together with your writing talents as well as with the format for your blog.
    Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it your self?
    Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to
    see a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  31. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit
    more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
    But just imagine if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the best
    in its niche. Superb blog!

  32. A person essentially lend a hand to make seriously articles I’d state.
    That is the first time I frequented your web page and so far?
    I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual post amazing.
    Fantastic activity!

  33. I’m not certain where you’re getting your information,
    but good topic. I must spend a while finding out much
    more or understanding more. Thank you for great information I was in search of this information for my mission.

  34. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through
    this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this.
    I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  35. Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a
    team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done
    a outstanding job!

  36. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should
    write more about this subject, it might not be a taboo
    matter but usually folks don’t speak about such topics. To
    the next! Many thanks!!

  37. Appreciating the time and effort you put into your blog
    and in depth information you present. It’s awesome
    to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t
    the same old rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and
    I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  38. I’m extremely impressed along with your writing talents
    and also with the layout on your weblog.

    Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself?
    Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice weblog like this one
    nowadays..

  39. I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be using?

    I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest website and I’d like to find something more secure.
    Do you have any suggestions?

  40. Hi! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my good old
    room mate! He always kept talking about this.
    I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
    Thank you for sharing!

  41. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you
    hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to
    design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
    thank you

  42. Can I simply just say what a relief to discover someone who truly
    understands what they are discussing online. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    A lot more people really need to look at this and
    understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular since you surely have the gift.

  43. What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this article i thought
    i could also make comment due to this sensible article.

  44. You made some really good points there. I looked on the web for more information about the issue and found most
    people will go along with your views on this web site.

  45. Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.

    Please let me know. Many thanks

  46. A person necessarily help to make severely articles I might
    state. That is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and thus far? I surprised with the analysis you made to
    create this particular put up amazing. Fantastic task!

  47. Howdy are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but
    I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require
    any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly
    appreciated!

  48. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.

    You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write
    some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!

  49. Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download
    it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out.
    Please let me know where you got your theme.
    Kudos

  50. Great post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired!
    Extremely useful information specifically the ultimate part 🙂 I maintain such information much.
    I used to be seeking this certain info for a very lengthy time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  51. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I
    also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; we have developed some nice methods and we are looking to exchange
    methods with other folks, please shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  52. Thanks , I have just been searching for info about this topic
    for a while and yours is the best I have found out till now.

    However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the
    source?

  53. It is really a nice and useful piece of information.
    I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful
    information with us. Please keep us informed like this.

    Thank you for sharing.

  54. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this fantastic blog!
    I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS
    feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site
    with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  55. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this,
    like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog.
    A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  56. Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend
    your site, how can i subscribe for a weblog website?

    The account aided me a acceptable deal. I were a little bit familiar of this
    your broadcast offered shiny clear concept

  57. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, but I assumed this publish
    used to be good. I don’t recognise who you’re but certainly you are going to a famous
    blogger should you aren’t already. Cheers!

  58. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted
    to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your posts.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
    Many thanks!

  59. Someone necessarily assist to make critically
    posts I would state. That is the first time I frequented
    your website page and to this point? I amazed with the research
    you made to make this particular publish extraordinary. Excellent
    activity!

  60. whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles.
    Keep up the good work! You understand, many people are looking around for
    this information, you could help them greatly.

  61. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you are a great
    author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually
    come back sometime soon. I want to encourage that you continue your
    great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!

  62. I simply couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual information an individual provide to
    your visitors? Is going to be again incessantly in order to investigate cross-check new
    posts

  63. My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was totally
    right. This publish actually made my day. You cann’t believe just
    how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  64. With havin so much content and articles do you
    ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve
    either authored myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is
    popping it up all over the web without my agreement.
    Do you know any ways to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  65. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
    previous to and you’re just extremely great.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what
    you’re stating and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

  66. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as
    long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
    My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of
    the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you.
    Many thanks!

  67. Hey There. I discovered your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more
    of your helpful information. Thank you for the post. I will
    certainly comeback.

  68. You can certainly see your expertise in the article you write.
    The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are
    not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow
    your heart.

  69. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog
    and was curious what all is needed to get setup?

    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty
    penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or
    advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

  70. Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere,
    when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due
    to this sensible post.

  71. I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post
    is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about
    my trouble. You are incredible! Thanks!

  72. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing issues with
    your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it.
    Is there anybody getting similar RSS issues? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  73. Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Thank you!

  74. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog
    and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  75. Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to
    look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this
    to my followers! Fantastic blog and amazing style and design.

  76. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just
    curious if you get a lot of spam feedback?
    If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.

  77. My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a variety of websites for about
    a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there
    a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?

    Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  78. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog
    platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with
    hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  79. Wonderful work! That is the kind of information that should be
    shared across the internet. Shame on the seek engines for now not positioning this post higher!

    Come on over and talk over with my web site . Thanks =)

  80. It is the best time to make some plans for the
    long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this publish
    and if I may I wish to recommend you few fascinating issues or tips.
    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to this article.
    I wish to read more issues about it!

  81. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
    i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
    If so how do you stop it, any plugin or
    anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any
    help is very much appreciated.

  82. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a
    daily basis. It will always be useful to read through content from
    other writers and use something from their
    web sites.

  83. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website
    and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.

    Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  84. I take pleasure in, result in I found just what I used to be taking a look for.

    You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
    Bye

  85. Hello I am so thrilled I found your website, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Digg for something else,
    Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a
    tremendous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have
    time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
    Please do keep up the awesome job.

  86. Hey are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my
    own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

  87. Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are
    a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us valuable information to work
    on. You have done a extraordinary job!

  88. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Finding the time and actual
    effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say…
    I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything
    done.

  89. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple
    ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be
    a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has
    83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  90. Howdy, There’s no doubt that your web site may be having browser compatibility problems.
    When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine
    however, when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, fantastic website!

  91. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto
    a friend who had been doing a little research on this.
    And he in fact ordered me breakfast because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this issue here on your
    website.

  92. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web page, as i
    want enjoyment, for the reason that this this web site conations in fact pleasant funny information too.

  93. Its such as you learn my thoughts! You seem to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something.
    I believe that you could do with a few % to force
    the message house a bit, however other than that, that
    is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  94. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was conducting a little homework on this.
    And he actually bought me dinner simply because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this matter here on your web site.

  95. Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, let
    alone the content!

  96. I’m more than happy to discover this great site.
    I want to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic
    read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new stuff
    in your site.

  97. Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped me out
    much. I am hoping to present one thing back and help others
    like you aided me.

  98. That is very attention-grabbing, You’re an overly skilled
    blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for in search of extra of your great post.
    Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks

  99. I have read so many posts concerning the blogger lovers however this piece of writing isin fact a nice piece of writing, keep it up.Have a look at my blog post :: belly fat

  100. PBN sites
    We’ll build a structure of PBN sites!

    Advantages of our privately-owned blog network:

    We perform everything SO THAT GOOGLE does not understand that THIS IS A privately-owned blog network!!!

    1- We purchase domain names from different registrars

    2- The leading site is hosted on a VPS server (Virtual Private Server is rapid hosting)

    3- Other sites are on different hostings

    4- We allocate a individual Google account to each site with confirmation in Google Search Console.

    5- We design websites on WordPress, we do not employ plugins with the help of which malware penetrate and through which pages on your websites are produced.

    6- We do not reproduce templates and utilise only individual text and pictures

    We don’t work with website design; the client, if desired, can then edit the websites to suit his wishes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *