Keeping an Eye on the Cloud
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5. Windows 7 mode
One of the best features of Windows 7 is the ability to run a
virtual version of Windows XP on the operating system. That has helped
Microsoft increase enterprise adoption and keep employees productive while
they're trying to learn a new operating system. With Windows 8, Microsoft
should deliver a virtual version of Windows 7. After all, if it's drastically
different than its predecessor-and it probably will be-giving users something
they feel comfortable with is probably a good idea.
6. An anti-OS mentality
Microsoft must acknowledge that the future of the operating system
market will be ruled by consumers that care less about the operating system
than the device they're using. Previously, computers mattered little. But now,
the OS is taking a backseat to the computer. If Microsoft can build its
operating system with that reality in mind, it can go a long way in keeping
Apple's Mac OS X at bay.
7. Cloud considerations
The
cloud is undoubtedly the future. And although Microsoft has been slower to
bring its services there than it should have been, it must realize that Windows
8 should include a strong cloud component. By then, consumers and enterprise
customers will expect some Web-based productivity features. If Microsoft
doesn't come through, users might just look elsewhere for options.
8. The privacy opportunity
Privacy is quickly becoming a major issue on the Internet. It
seems that with each passing month, another company is being hit hard by
privacy advocates who say that the firm overstepped its bounds. But with the
right strategy in place, Microsoft can use Windows 8 to its advantage by being
a privacy-focused firm. After all, Windows is used by the vast majority of Web
users around the world. If Microsoft can be an agent of change in the privacy
field, that can go a long way in improving its standing among consumers and
enterprise customers. Plus, it'll only help its reputation in broader overall field
of security.
9. A decidedly anti-Google stance
Microsoft has two options with Windows 8: It can be Microsoft
and deliver the same basic products it has offered in the past with strategic
improvements, or it can try to follow Google's lead in the software market.
When it comes to Windows 8, Microsoft has no choice but to be anti-Google.
Never has there been a clearer line drawn between two companies than the line
that separates Google and Microsoft. If Microsoft tries to blur that line and
become too Google-like, it will face annihilation at some point in the future.
But if it sticks to being Microsoft, it might just overcome the tidal wave that
Google is bringing down on it.
10. Fewer OS versions Microsoft
has confused customers throughout the years with all the separate editions
it has released with each new Windows version. These various additions allow
Microsoft to address specific markets at different price points, but they
really seem to contribute to market clutter that backs up the distribution
chain. It can be difficult for consumers and business customers to sort out all
the options. With Windows 8, Microsoft can't do that. It should simply offer
