Will a Desktop OS Succeed on Tablets?
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5. The applications strategy
Microsoft's
decision to make Windows 7 available to tablet makers could be either good
or bad from an application perspective. On one hand, Windows 7 works with the
vast majority of applications in the wild, so the company won't need to worry
about compatibility. But at the same time, consumers might expect an App
Store-like experience for programs. If customers see more value in simple
applications than full-blown programs, Microsoft will have to scramble to
change things up if it wants its tablet strategy to survive.
6. Android OS is the better option
Google's Android OS is quickly gaining ground in the mobile
market. And most believe that the company will perform just as well in the
tablet space once vendors start delivering products running on the software in
the coming months. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the more successful Google is
in the tablet space, the less successful it will be. Both companies are vying
for a finite number of vendors that want to build tablets. If more companies
see value in Google's operating system over Microsoft's, Windows 7-based
tablets might not be around for long.
7. HP won't be on-board
When Microsoft CEO Steve
Ballmer unveiled Windows 7-based tablets at CES, the focus of his presentation
was the HP Slate. For a while, some believed that the device wouldn't be made.
But it has re-emerged in the wild. Regardless, Microsoft shouldn't expect HP to
be its key partner. With the acquisition of Palm, HP
has made its true intentions in the mobile market known. Going forward,
even with a Windows-based Slate on store shelves, the company will likely focus
most of its efforts on WebOS to the detriment of Windows and Microsoft.
8. The functionality question
Apple's iOS is designed for tablet use. So is Android OS. But
Windows 7 isn't. It's a desktop-focused operating system that helps users
be more productive with the help of a mouse and a keyboard. It's not
necessarily designed for a finger and simple use. Of course, Microsoft would
disagree. But perception is what matters most in this context. And
functionality comes second. Few would think Windows 7 would be an ideal tablet
platform. And even fewer would like its functionality on a tablet. That alone
could derail the company's tablet plans.
9. Wait for the smartphones
Over the past few years, Microsoft's inability to compete with
Apple and Google has caused the company to rush. It rushed Windows Mobile 6 to
the market, it rushed Kin smartphones, and now it's trying to get into tablets
when its own smartphone platform isn't available yet. If Microsoft wants to see
its tablet strategy work, the company should take a step back, evaluate how
Windows Phone 7 is doing, and go from there. Patience is a virtue for the
software giant.
10. Google is too powerful
As mentioned, Android
OS will likely be the biggest competitor to Windows 7. But that's the least
of Microsoft's worries. Google has its sights set on Microsoft in every market
that they both compete. It wants nothing more than to take the company down. It
can do that with Android and by leveraging its relationships with vendors.
Microsoft knows it. And so does Google. That's precisely why Google and its
power could be too much for Microsoft to handle in the tablet space.
