Forget the horror stories: Windows 8 looks good

(MoneyWatch) It's become fashionable among pundits to write off Microsoft's new (MSFT) Windows 8 platform. Surveys claim that most users don't plan to upgrade to the new operating system and that companies won't flock to it.

But much of the talk comes from a deep misunderstanding about how people and companies approach software upgrades, failing to consider how initial reluctance to use the tech is likely to fade away. Microsoft is betting big on the Windows 8 launch, but this isn't good money after bad.

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Ed Bott at sister publication ZDNet points out the fallacy in much of the criticism of Windows 8 in noting that it echoes the cool reception that Microsoft's Windows XP platform received on its debut in 2001. Most of that doom and gloom turned out to be off base -- 11 years after its introduction, XP still has huge market share.

Businesses move slowly

To understand where some "experts" are likely to be wrong in their predictions for Windows 8, start with corporate purchases. It's easy to forget how difficult and time consuming it is for corporations to shift to a new operating system. I often speak with representatives from a range of companies, from small outfits to firms to the largest corporations. Regardless of company size, a common topic is the work necessary to move to Windows 7. Yes, that's 7, not 8.

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In short, a company can take years to get around to upgrading its tech platforms. The reasons include the following:

- Any custom software may have to be rewritten to run on a new operating system

- Browser-based applications for employees may depend on older versions of browsers not supported by the latest operating system

- Hardware may not be powerful enough or compatible with the new system, which means an upgrade involves the entire computer

- Corporate IT departments often have far more pressing duties, and a new client operating system rarely offers a significant financial benefit to the company

- The real deadline for a major upgrade is always when the vendor -- typically Microsoft -- officially ends support for an older version of the software

However, Microsoft has never seen immediate upgrade shifts by most corporate clients. It takes time, with later adoptions helping to fill in revenue over the years. Microsoft may be heavily dependent on Windows for driving sales, but it doesn't depend on a single iteration of the software. Expect the usual long uptake by businesses.

Consumers adapt quickly

As for the lack of consumer excitement about Windows 8, just because people say they have no immediate plans to upgrade doesn't mean that they won't wind up using the platform either at work or when they buy a new PC or laptop, as new devices will come equipped with the software. Even with PC unit sales down across the industry, that will still mean a lot of de facto upgrades.

People don't like change, and moving to what seems like a new operating system is part of that. However, people do eventually adapt after a few days with new software.

And some time I recently spent in one of Microsoft's new stores -- this one in upscale Orange County, Calif. Mall -- suggested to me that many people seem intrigued with Windows 8. There are some big changes to the user interface, of course, but most people will adapt relatively quickly.

Then there are the new form-factors available. I tried a number of machines with the operating system, from Ultrabooks that frankly seemed overpriced at $,1200 to the more attractive Microsoft Surface and a light Asus notebook that had a good feel and reasonable price tag. There is a lot that will catch the eye of buyers.

So pay no attention to any predictions that Windows 8 is dead on arrival. Ultimately, the market will make that decision. And remember, even Windows Vista sold a ton of copies, and it was a dog. If it did well commercially, it's hard to see why Windows 8 wouldn't.

[brainout]

Honey, it's no misunderstanding on the USER's part when the dang installation quits, screws up your machine and causes you unending headaches. If this only happened in 20% of the REAL USER REPORTS -- most of them techies who knew what they were doing -- then you could blame the user.

BUT IT'S THE DANG HORRIBLE INSTALLER ALWAYS BUGGY SINCE WINDOWS 95. At some point, the years of user horror stories writ large over and over, mean WINDOWS IS TO BLAME. But as always, blames someone else, never itself.

Basta. Islam is peace, God couldn't get it right until 1611, and Windows 8 is a good OS that's easy to install and use. Brooklyn Bridge is for sale, too. And the Easter Bunny comes just after Santa Claus.

I'm so sick of the lying about Win8 I could scream.

[groberts116]

To Cooke and Henry13, have you actually used the system? It's faster, it has a much smaller foot print and it runs exceptionally smooth. There are already a lot of apps that allow one to customize Win 8 to suit how the user wants the OS to look , as well as, function.

[Win8FanBoy2DaMax]

Want my honest opinion? Doubt it, but if you're still reading this then I assume you do.

Windows 8 is fun. I am more productive on Windows 8 than I was on Windows 7. The start screen always updates me with my internet connected life. I have a laptop in a dual screen setup and another smaller one I take to school. If you're curious I am a senior studying comp sci, so I might know what a computer is. Admittedly, I use Start8, but that's because I habitually go to my documents.

Despite that, I hate the fact they took away the start button. Even with the start screen, they should've left the start button as an option. And oh, stop hating, it's pretty childish.

[digiozmultimedia]

Windows 8 is a complete freak of nature and should never have been built. Anyone that thinks otherwise is either high or out of touch with reality. The Metro Style will never work in Corporate Environment and Microsoft will learn this the hard way!

[groberts116]

You obviously haven't a clue of how the future is evolving, but still you entitled to your opinion.

[JSaborioM]

Most of what you pointed out in regards to upgrade behaviors is obvious at plain sight; I can't belive you had to write an article to explain such basic things. As far as Win 8, only time will tell, but IMHO the Metro interface will potentially be the reason for the OS big failure on corporate environments. More over, the argument of a "similar experience" between different devices is plainly stupid and offensive to the intelligence of all users. Why would you like your desktop PC to look and feel like a tablet or a phone? Each device is used in different environments and for diffrent type of tasks.

[Pasporte]

I've been using Windows 8 RTM for work and games on my desktop PC for over a month now.

It works just fine. You don't like the new modern/metro UI, then don't use it, go directly to the desktop it's a simple click when Windows starts. And since put my computer to sleep instead of shutting it down, I hardly ever see the metro UI.

You miss the start button? Poor you if you can't learn two easy keyboard shortcuts that easily replace it...

Those who hate on Windows 8 either didn't try it or are too dumb to adapt...

[RealistWithIdeals]

It's not that I don't like Metro, it's just that on the machines have been testing 8 on, I have nothing useful that runs in Metro. You're right - one extra click after login and a little keyboard gymnastics make it roughly equivalent to 7. But I haven't found a compelling reason to use it on a desktop or even a notebook that isn't a touch screen.

[groberts116]

What a lot of people don't see about the Start UI is that it will adapt well with Xbox and Windows Phone 8. While apps won't run on each platform as written, it will only require recompiling for most apps to cross platforms.

[Josephz_L_Cooke]

Windows 8 sucks totally. Think of the New Coke. Everyone involved with Windows 8 should be in prison.

[P_Henry13]

This operating system will be the biggest failure Microsoft has ever produced which is impressive from the company that created Windows ME and Vista. Instead of listening to corporate stooges, they probably should have asked people in IT about using this ridiculous GUI in a corporate environment. Since Microsoft has now committed itself to getting rid of every American they can find and replacing them with h-1b visa slaves, they won't get a lot of sympathy from any of the IT workers that I know. You reap what you sow.