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.dazeinfo.com/2014/03/24/xubuntu-microsoft-corporation-windows-xp-os-alternative/
http://www.quickmba.com/marketing/ries-trout/positioning/