I agree it will be interesting to see how people react to a large change in Microsoft’s core product considering the strong competition in the personal and tablet computer markets. However, I think it will be even more interesting given the coming changes to Microsoft Office, a product line Microsoft makes roughly half its profits on. One has to wonder how such a big departure from the classic Windows menu is going to affect businesses accustomed to this layout and their satisfaction with the office suite that goes hand in hand.

What’s even more interesting though is that Microsoft is essentially redesigning the way it makes money on the Office line of products by separating them from the Windows operating system. Office 2013 will allow 365 day renting as an alternative to purchasing, complete with 20GB storage on SkyDrive. One user account will allow installation on 5 physical devices.

This is probably a smart strategy because with so many Macintosh users, quite a few using office, it allows Microsoft to keep a stranglehold on business products even if Windows is ailing. Also, this direct model worked well for Apple’s Itunes. In conclusion, Microsoft is redesigning its future in multiple ways.

In response to: Jonathan Bickford: Microsoft redesigning its future

Articles:

http://www.tannerhelland.com/4273/microsoft-money-updated-2012/

http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2007/09/09/microsoft’s-outrageous-office-profits/

Image:

Gallagher, Sean. “Office 2013 Menu.” Screenshot. Arstechnica.com 16 Jul. 2012. 4 Nov. 2012

<http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/07/office-2013-microsofts-bid-to-win-the-future/>.