What is the 'dead end' of Windows?

In January 2009, Hewlett-Packard (HP) will introduce a new 'glitter' black mini laptop for just $ 379.

With this event, HP will be the first major computer company in this decade, not to mention Apple, of course, launching a non-Windows personal computer of software tycoon. Microsoft.

This HP Mini 1000 will not have a Windows operating system installed, but instead uses an open source Linux operating system. Many observers said that HP is contributing to prove the reality: the most glorious days of Windows operating system are gradually backing away.

Threats

Long before the arrival of YouTube, Google, fiber optics and DSL, Windows led the game. The information technology world has become accustomed to Microsoft's dominance through Windows.

But now, there is growing evidence that Microsoft's dominance in the computer industry is no longer what it used to be.

These include the failure of the Windows Vista operating system and the fact that Mac OS is gradually taking over Windows market share. Meanwhile, the world's leading computer firms, including HP and Dell, are investing heavily to develop their own team of software engineers to take on jobs that they had previously resorted to Microsoft.

On the segment of smart phones and low-cost mini-computers, which are experiencing strong growth, this change is more clear and impressive. Smart phones from Research in Motion (RIM) and Apple don't use the Windows operating system. In addition, more than 35% of mini laptops on the market today use non-Windows operating systems.

Take the HP Mini 1000 version using the Linux operating system as an example. The laptop itself is not a threat to the Windows operating system, because HP said it plans to sell the computer for less than $ 20 compared to the Windows version. XP, which is not cheap enough to create a highly competitive version of Linux with the Windows version.

But most importantly, this Linux-based laptop is a message that HP doesn't need Microsoft as much as it used to.

" For many of the most successful products in the electronics industry, software occupies a huge position ," said Kevin Frost, HP's general manager of notebook computers. He also pointed out that the use of the Linux operating system as a "cold water" should not be considered on Microsoft, but he only expects most of HP's mini laptop products to be marketed with the system. operating Windows.

' But to be honest, we consider the mini laptop line as the product line where we have the opportunity to focus on the HP brand, not the processor or operating system ,' he said. adds.

This HP mini laptop is a product of HP's Personal Systems Group effort. The task of this group is to make its products simpler and more visually impactful than products using Windows. Two-thirds of the members of this group focus on software issues.

Dell is also on its own. The company's Inspiron mini laptop, priced at $ 349, uses the Linux operating system as the cheapest Dell computer today. The computer also uses a 1.6 gigahertz Intel Atom processor like the HP Mini 1000. Currently this Inspiron computer is available.

' Part of the reason for this change is the heavy Windows Vista operating system failure ,' IDC analyst Richard Shim said. He said that the mini laptop using HP's Linux operating system is remarkable, and that HP and Dell are experimenting with highly feasible options that do not need Windows.

" Not many companies can afford to invest in this development, but HP and Dell are two of those companies, " he said.

10 years ago, such software testing was something that never happened. Major computer manufacturers - those still known as original equipment manufacturers (OME) always adhere to Microsoft's requirements. For their part, Microsoft officials openly talk about a world in which Windows is everywhere - in cars, on clothes, in the kitchen and in the living room.

' Microsoft has absolute control. Only a few OEMs have tried to change the situation, but their efforts have been extinguished , ' recalls Rob Enderle, an IT industry analyst. Mr. Enderle added that Packard Bell tried to modify some of Windows's features, but Microsoft 'shook his head', and the idea was not repeated. ' Computer manufacturers are afraid of Microsoft, ' the analyst said.

But now, the situation has changed. Now is the time for computer makers to share their fears and ambitions, and they mention products like the iPhone more. Apple may be a small company, but has shown the IT industry the way to make customers more satisfied and achieve greater profits. It is using its own software.

Even Intel is groping this way. Instead of using Microsoft software for portable Internet devices that use their Atom chips, Intel has invested in the Linux operating system. Reason? According to experts, it is because Linux is free and open source software and Intel can make sure that devices using this operating system are adjusted to ensure battery life.

Microsoft still 'healthy'?

However, this fact is not enough to prove that Microsoft is about to die. Currently, for every 10 computers that come to market, there are still 9 Windows-based machines, and Microsoft is still making money. Last quarter, Windows earned Microsoft $ 4.2 billion in sales, up slightly from the same period last year.

However, in a recent profit report, Microsoft has to admit that the trend of mini laptops is one of the reasons why Windows' revenue is lower than expected.

In addition, Microsoft is holding up to $ 20 billion in cash, bringing it into the most capital-intensive companies in technology. At the same time, Microsoft is also a few technology companies that dare to spend huge amounts of money - up to 8 billion dollars last year - in researching future technologies.

Therefore, it can be affirmed, Microsoft's future is very long. Recently, the company outlined plans for two new operating systems, Windows Azure and Windows 7, to be used for new devices. These two operating systems will be adapted to adapt to the world that is moving away from old PCs to switch to software on the Internet.

When this world appears, it would be wise if Microsoft continues to realize that it is no longer the 'boss' of the software world.