Goodbye, XP and Vista; Hello, Success

6. Windows XP will officially retire.

Although it might be the elder statesman in the OS market, XP is far from retired. In fact, it's still going strong. But a popular Windows 7 that easily bests previous installments of the operating system will change that. Companies using XP will finally jump to Windows 7. And the only place where XP will live on is in Windows 7's virtual XP mode.

7. Windows Vista will be forgotten.

Microsoft is running from Vista with Windows 7. It doesn't want to remind consumers or corporate customers about the issue that its latest operating system had become. If Windows 7 is as successful as Ballmer expects it to be, Microsoft can erase that part of its history. Users who were dubious about Windows 7 will be converts when they use it. And all the issues they remember about Vista will be put behind them.

8. Windows Mobile 7 will get a head start.

Whether Windows Mobile 7 will provide an iPhone-like experience is unknown. But with the help of a viable Windows 7, Windows Mobile 7 might enjoy more success than it would without it. Users who could see a major difference between Windows 7 and its predecessor will be hopeful that the same will be true with Windows Mobile 7. If it happens, it could be even better for Microsoft.

9. Microsoft can take on Apple's marketing efforts.

One of the biggest issues Microsoft has faced over the past couple years is that it can't really combat any of Apple's ads. The "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" spots have been so successful that Apple has been able to wrest some users from the software giant. With a popular and successful Windows 7, Microsoft can take it to Apple, put Steve Jobs on his heels and maybe pull some users from Mac OS X.

10. Microsoft will regain some respect.

Part of the reason why Steve Ballmer believes Windows 7 will be so successful is its ability to block malicious attacks. According to Ballmer, it's the most secure OS his company has ever released. Although that's as much an indictment of the past as it is an endorsement for the future, if true, Microsoft can finally confront all those critics who say its operating system is insecure and thus not viable. It gives Microsoft more respect in the space. And, perhaps most importantly, it ensures that in the future Microsoft won't need to bear the greatest burden when it comes to security concerns.

And that might just be its biggest advantage.