Earlier this month Microsoft announced the development of Windows 10. I know, what about Windows 9? Regardless of what Windows 9 could have been, I’m sure all of the ideas – scattered across hundreds of whiteboards in Redmond – were included in the development of Windows 10.
I’m excited, because I think Microsoft finally got it right. In our competitive world of devices, both mobile and desktop-based, Windows 10 will be relevant – more relevant than most. Sitting in my local Starbucks, I see 15 people with multiple devices. I see folks with Lenovo and HP Desktops, along with their iPads or iPhones. I see Apple laptops and iPhones or Droid phones. My point is this: there are multiple devices and multiple platforms out there. To the everyday common user, this may not be pertinent. By “everyday common user,” I mean the folks who use their phones for Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and selfies. However for folks like me who are always working but still want a life, multiple platforms are an inconvenience. Thankfully we can all look forward to Windows 10 to the rescue.
Windows 10 will be a common platform across multiple device profiles. For the executive who travels a lot but doesn’t want to take his laptop from his bag, iPad might not be the right choice anymore. For the user who loves the enormous phablet device, but complains they can only check email, this is significant. For the user that is tech-savvy and loves multiple devices, Windows 10 is just what they’ve been waiting for.
Imagine that your laptop preferences are set to meet your office needs. But now you have a business trip, and you have a Surface or other Slate device installed along with Windows 10. All of the same preferences will be synchronized on your other devices. Phones, tablets, and laptop/desktop devices – all commonplace, all relevant, and all accessible any time any place (except vacation; please, stop working on vacation!)
Here are a few thoughts to link my personal life and my work life, which might be applicable. I own an iPhone. I love my iPhone, but my iPhone has its setbacks regarding my work. I live in Excel, and although I have Office 365 and can access and use Excel, try it on an Apple Mobile device. It’s somewhat brutal. Since I stress out anytime I try to edit a workbook, I’ve given up using those devices with Excel. So when I’m on a plane and I don’t feel like taking up two seats with my laptop, I put it off for another day.
VPN and MDM solutions are huge in our mobile world too. Microsoft has alluded to these solutions working seamlessly with Windows 10. With the integration of Intune, Microsoft’s version of MDM, and the Enterprise Mobility Suite, I would assume not only easier licensing, but easier management as well. While helping customers with licensing, I’m always baffled by how many different vendors each of my customers must work with. I think if Microsoft can combine MDM, VPN, and any other relevant solution into a good, one-stop-shop, we will see a larger Microsoft following. I would bet there is not a CIO out there, who wouldn’t prefer multiple products from a single vendor to meet the financial and technological needs of their environment. I say technological, only because it’s not always about price anymore. It’s about what is best for the environment. Savings are great, but if it’s not a good solution who cares what it costs.
I have high hopes for Windows 10. I can’t wait to see it in more detail, and use a single common OS that meets all of my needs. I believe Microsoft is on the right track. If they can pull this off – and it’s cool enough to get the attention of non-Microsoft mobile users – it could be a game-changer.
