14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft faces competition in the OS market from several new platforms, including Android and iOS, but Redmond has a pretty big advantage that could really help it secure the leading spot in this business in the coming years.
Gartner analysts say that users could soon choose their operating systems based on the app ecosystem behind them, which could clearly represent a big win for Microsoft, as the number of apps working on Windows is already surpassing the one on Android and iOS.
Nonetheless, not the same thing can be said about mobile versions of Windows, such as Windows Phone and Windows RT, as both are still in the very early stages on the market, and they still lack a number of software solutions extremely popular in the other app stores.
"In emerging markets where other operating systems may have a chance, consumers will start to move to devices based on the operating system in order to access applications," Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner, said.
Microsoft is seriously struggling to convince more developer to create apps for Windows 8, its modern platform that comes with different SKUs for PCs, tablets, and smartphones.
The company has unveiled the concept of universal apps at the BUILD 2014 conference, which basically enables developers to create a single app working on both smartphones and tablets. At the same time, users are allowed to get a specific program just once and use it on multiple types.
Word is that Microsoft might after all merge Windows RT and Windows Phone platforms in an effort to boost the number of apps available on both operating systems. Such a merger could take place in Windows 9, the next full version of the operating system expected to see daylight in early 2015.
Microsoft hasn’t yet confirmed such a plan, but it’s pretty clear that the universal app concept and the merger of developer accounts for the two platforms, the company is heading towards a new approach that would provide users with more choice regardless of the device they own.
As far as the desktop is concerned, Windows is obviously the undisputed leader when it comes to apps, but the battle these days is taking place on tablets and smartphones where Microsoft is still a pretty new player. It remains to be seen, however, if the software giant plays its cards right and manages to become a powerful rival for iOS and Android.