2010: the year of the Windows desktop

Sam Varghese
Wednesday, 02 December 2009 14:53

Opinion and Analysis

Cost is not a factor either, because nobody cringes at paying for Windows - it is a hidden cost when one gets a new PC.

Every grey-box retailer who wants to sell Windows licences (and who doesn't?) has no choice but to charge for the O-S with every box. Even if the rare customer takes a naked box home, the price of Windows is still paid. And how many people build their own computers?

Take the case of a person who is getting a new laptop (and I know of more than one person who is in the market for a nice Xmas gift to themselves). He/she merely has to look at the price difference and it becomes a no-brainer. Even the less fancy MacBooks are at least $A500 more than the Windows equivalent.

Given that we are just emerging from a period in which finances haven't been flowing in as usual, people are not inclined to be loose with cash. The memories of September 2008 are still fresh in the mind.

The convulsions in Dubai have only served to refresh people's memories about the period when it looked like there would be a repeat of 1929.

Due to the financial crisis, businesses are unlikely to be thinking of a move to Windows 7 right now.

But Microsoft holds the ace - in July next year, it will end support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Just how many consultants will be willing to take on the task of supporting a business that continues to run this O-S?

Yes, Microsoft has got people by those two globular objects. No doubt about it, with a combination of threats, cajoling and wheedling, Windows will continue its reign next year.