NEWS ANALYSIS: Microsoft’s Windows XP is still the world’s top operating system with 45 percent market share worldwide. Why does XP continue to matter to so many?
Microsoft Windows XP. You
remember the operating system, right? Its the one that
Microsoft launched in 2001 with high hopes of improving security
and productivity across the consumer and enterprise markets. Although it got
off to a bit of a rough start, with some help from a couple service packs, the
operating system quickly became a favorite of people around the globe. Windows XP
became such a popular operating system, in fact, that more than 10 years later,
its still
the worlds top operating system with 45 percent market share, according to NetApplications.
Such success is surprising in the
technology space. Companies like Apple and Google need to launch new products
every year to keep customers interested. But Microsoft has found a way to
maintain sales even as the product ages. Its perhaps a testament to Windows
XPs quality and Microsofts unique ability to become a must-have partner for
people and companies around the world.
But how did this happen? Why is
Windows XP still so important to so many? Is it the products design? Is it the
affordability factor? Why does Windows XP still matter?
1. The enterprise is still using it
The enterprise is the most
important stakeholder when it comes to Windows adoption. If the corporate world
likes a respective operating system, itll adopt it in droves. If it doesnt,
itll ignore the software. In XPs case, the enterprise adored the software.
And in many instances, companies are still using it. Until that changes,
Windows XP will still matter.
2. Its all about compatibility
Following that, its important to
point out that companies across the globe have spent serious cash on software
and accessories that work with XP. Unfortunately, many of them might not work
with other, newer operating systems. Windows XP mode in Windows 7 is a good
start, for most companies, sticking with the single operating system that
supports everything is important.
3. Consider emerging markets
Although many consumers are buying
Windows 7-based devices, folks in emerging markets are getting into the PC game
with Windows XP. The nice thing about Windows XP-based devices is that theyre
affordable and can work well on less-powerful computers. Thats extremely
important when it comes to XP adoption in emerging markets.
4. The economy plays a role
With the economy still struggling
to make a comeback, many consumers just arent interested in buying new
computers. So, theyre taking extra care of their old XP machines and making
sure it lasts until they can invest in a new PC. Until that changes, dont
expect XP to lose ground to other operating systems.
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