With the launch of an
upgraded Windows 8.1, Microsoft does not think it would be a good idea for companies that need to upgrade from Windows XP to think of anything else.
Microsoft will end support for Windows XP, which still enjoys almost 40 per cent market share, in April 2014. There were reports that many companies are upgrading to Windows 7 instead of the latest operating system.
"If you are running XP and looking to upgrade, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 come at the same price. There is no price advantage. On the other hand, the latter is a more modern operating system that will be good for the next five years," Amrish Goyal, general manager of Microsoft India's Windows Business Group told
Business Today. "We actually see no reason why someone would give up a very modern operating system for something that is five years old. Our goal is to make enterprises see the benefit of going to Windows 8.1 directly."
He, however, added that Windows 7 was still a very robust OS and its users need not think of an upgrade at the moment.
Microsoft says it has been able to rectify most of the user complains regarding desktop, start button and so on with the Windows 8.1 upgrade that became available for download from October 17. Users now have the option of booting directly to the desktop, while enterprise users can lock down all the tiled apps if needed.
"Plus, as with any OS upgrade, this version uses lesser processing power and has better battery life," added Goyal.
While Windows 8 users can now go to the store and download the 3.6GB upgrade, it will take a few weeks for the devices to come loaded with the new version. So, if you are planning to buy a laptop or PC, it would be a good idea to wait till you can buy a device with the new OS. Otherwise, you will have to upgrade the new device to Windows 8.1 after purchase.
"By the end of the year, all new devices in stores will be on Windows 8.1," said Goyal.
On Windows 8 driving the adoption of touch devices, Goyal attributed this to companies empowering many employees with tablets and smartphones. "Because of massive production, the premium for touch is going down. This is what we had anticipated when we launched Windows 8," he said.
Plus, almost all manufacturers are ready with 8-inch Windows 8.1 devices which could be much more affordable than other Windows tablet options in the market.
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