Windows-as-a-Service critical change for Windows 10: Analyst

MUMBAI, INDIA: Microsoft has a renewed and sharp focus on Windows environment and how it approaches new versions. One of the critical changes the company has made is to position Windows as a platform and bring to life Windows-as-a-service.

To make this change real, the company has put in place is the Windows Insider Program to help gain feedback from millions of actual consumers and enterprises while the product is still in beta stage. This should help reduce bugs and hence the need for multiple patches post release, says Sanchit Vir Gogia, Chief Analyst & Group CEO, Greyhound Research.

Specifically for consumers, the company has a significant focus on the UI gestures and multi-tasking in Windows 10. This is particularly helpful in a cramped screen real estate and will help Microsoft gain momentum in the multi-screen play. More specifically, Cortana can well be expected to become a critical part for consumers – albeit not the first in its class, Microsoft’s approach is unique to how it can be used in the broader Windows environment. The company’s strategy to offer free upgrades is a welcome one and will give free access to all those currently using a genuine and licensed copy of Windows 7 and 8 – this also includes free upgrade for those currently on Windows 8.1 mobile version, Gogia says.

Greyhound Research believes this is the first step that the company is taking towards Windows-As-A-Service vision and Microsoft store will be at the forefront of this change.

For the enterprises, the adoption (as expected) will increase over the coming quarters and CIOs and IT decision makers complete proof of concept and gain confidence from their ISVs and other OEM hardware partners. The better approach to security and patch updates is definitely going to be a plus for enterprises.

The company has also done well to rope in key partners and OEMs who are currently in the process of building out devices and apps to the market. Another key change that will be definitive to Microsoft's future is their focus on multiple screens and devices and gives enterprises the flexibility to use their software in a near-interoperable manner, Gogia concludes.