Monthly Archives: September 2014

8 + 1 = 10: Microsoft’s new Windows OS

October 26th/2012, Microsoft released their new operating system, Windows 8. This new OS carried radical differences from their previously successful Windows 7. However, to quote Bert Lance, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

October 17/2013, one year later, Microsoft releases another new operating system, Windows 8.1. After consumer complaints of a fundamental interface change that was forced upon them with Windows 8, Microsoft attempted to remedy this situation. Restoring some of the more traditional Windows features, Microsoft hoped to make their new OS the market leader, toppling their already successful Windows XP and 7.

However, after two years on the market, Windows 8 had only been able to take a control of 6.62% of the desktop market, followed by 8.1 at 3.94%. Although Windows holds a tight grip of the market at 90.72%, this number comes through it’s older operating systems, Windows XP and Windows 7.

September 30/2014, another year later, Microsoft unveils a third new OS in three years, Windows 10. Leaving all their troubles with 8 behind, Microsoft’s flagship OS skips version 9 to emphasis their change. Microsoft wants to stay far away from the lack of success of Windows 8. Two numbers away. This new OS leaves behind many features of their previous system, and brings back updated, more efficient versions of their older features.

Despite going back to more traditional Windows concepts, Microsoft aims to unite the personal computer world with their new OS. Where Windows 8 was geared towards newer, touchscreen devices, Windows 10 keep those features while staying accessible on all devices.

 

Works Cited:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/tech-news/microsoft-skips-a-number-to-unveil-windows-10/article20858320/

http://www.dazeinfo.com/2014/03/24/xubuntu-microsoft-corporation-windows-xp-os-alternative/

http://www.quickmba.com/marketing/ries-trout/positioning/

 

The Social Responsibility to Innovate

Inexpensive energy is becoming a thing of the past. The prices of oil and gas are rising. Due to depletion of fossil fuels, it is becoming increasingly difficult to harvest these natural resources. Canadian projects to develop the oilsands are being cancelled due to the excessive cost of the work. However, despite the high cost, businesses are still developing these resources due to an excessive demand. The International Energy Agency warns that $53 trillion will be needed by 2035 just to reduce emissions to the point where global warming is only two degrees Celsius. Despite this “Inconvenient Truth” and high cost to save this depleted public good that is our earth, fossil fuel is still in heavy demand, and heavily supplied.

What is the ethical thing for a business to do in this situation? Aiming for profit, a business will develop fossil fuels. Despite having a high production cost, there is a great demand for fossil fuels and they produce a high profit. However, these businesses have a social responsibility to the earth and the environment. The responsibility they hold is to innovate. Although fossil fuels are the primary good sold on the energy market, through innovation companies can change pollution habits.

Innovation may have a high cost relative to the cost of staying with Fossil Fuels, but is miniscule relative to the social cost of environmental damage.

 

References:

Freeman, Edward. “Stakeholder Theory.” YouTube. YouTube, Web. 11 Sept. 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih5IBe1cnQw

 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/days-of-cheap-energy-over-iea-figures-show-1.2663195