It is essential that Microsoft cultivate the developer ecosystem for Windows for all product categories. Teaching developers to use their tools to write apps easily that span PCs, tablets and smartphones could provide an instant boost to the Windows 8 developer and app ecosystem.
All of these smart devices entering consumers’ lives are only as good as the software they run. Microsoft knows this and knows that the OS is only one small layer of how we experience our devices. If this strategy pays off and Microsoft can attract the needed quantity of quality developers, it will give them a strong chance to compete.
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My belief is this is going to happen. Some of the early developers we have talked to confirm they are interested in developing applications for all three hardware platforms at the same time.
I am also sensing a good deal of excitement from hardware makers around Windows 8. These are all positive signs for Microsoft.
The challenge now is for them to execute. They need to make major strides in their development of the next version of Windows. And they need to continue to cultivate and support their hardware and software partners.
I feel like their approach with Windows 8 is a fundamental re-thinking of the OS and its role within consumer electronics going forward. I applaud Microsoft’s guts to fundamentally do something different and innovative.
Only time will tell how significant and important of a foundation Windows 8 will be and how far it goes in helping Microsoft succeed in the next decade.
That being said, I am optimistic about Microsoft’s chances.
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Ben Bajarin is the Director of Consumer Technology Analysis and Research at Creative Strategies, Inc, a technology industry analysis and market intelligence firm located in Silicon Valley.