Recent rumblings have mentioned a new version of Windows, currently known as "Windows 8". If it seems that Microsoft is releasing new versions of Windows quickly, perhaps it is because ... Microsoft is releasing new versions of Windows quickly. The sedate pace of Windows 2000 and Windows XP has been changed to a faster tempo with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
This may or may not be a good thing for Microsoft.
Certainly the revenue stream is a good thing. And a new version of Windows allows for a "reset" of the hardware requirements, allowing Microsoft to build on a set of more powerful computers. With more computing power, Microsoft ought to be able to offer a better computing experience.
The competing OSX and Linux have had quick releases: OSX "Leopard", "Snow Leopard", and now "Lion"; Ubuntu's six-month pulse of releases 9.04, 9.10, 10.04, and 10.10. Microsoft may feel some need to "keep up with the Joneses".
This may or may not be a good thing for Microsoft customers.
A new version of Windows places a load on customers. Upgrading existing systems, or replacing hardware, are tasks that are time consuming (and dollar consuming). The change from the Windows XP interface to Windows Vista's "Aero" was a big jump and probably cost more in terms of retraining time than in license upgrade dollars.
And the big question that customers are still asking is "what is the benefit"? Most customers (especially corporate customers) were happy with the Windows XP GUI. It was a nice, known interface, perhaps with some arcane bits but everything had been mapped. Support groups knew how to make it work.
To succeed with Windows 8, Microsoft needs to demonstrate the value in a new version. Not just the new features (such as Vista's pretty-but-gratuitous GUI) but benefits. How does a new Windows help business?
I suspect that a big feature in Windows 8 will be the Microsoft app store. (Or "market", or whatever they call it.) I suspect that Microsoft will shift software distribution to their app store, and move away from the model of CD distribution.
Such a move will have large effects on the Windows "ecosystem". Companies that sell Windows software will have to move to the new app store model. This move won't be easy, and it won't be cheap. Yet it shouldn't be a surprise: you can see the signs with the tools available for Windows Phone 7.
Forward-looking companies will prepare for this new world in advance.
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