Microsoft BUILD, WPC13: Windows 8.1 Plus Surface Pro
Will Microsoft BUILD and Worldwide Partner Conference 2013 (WPC13) wash away the sins of Windows 8? The VAR Guy’s educated guess: Absolutely yes. The Windows 8.1 beta (this week at BUILD) and big Surface tablet promotions (at WPC13 in July) should generate plenty of interest from independent software developers (ISVs) and channel partners.
If you believe the skeptics, Microsoft is in a steep nosedive — as consumers and businesses increasingly embrace Apple iOS and Google Android tablets and smartphones. But here’s the reality: Microsoft revenues are still growing, MSFT shares are trading near a 52-week high, and Surface Pro tablet sales are off to a decent start.
Sure, Microsoft has to make some improvements. Fast. The company claims Windows 8 has sold 100 million licenses since late 2012. That sounds impressive. But Net Applications esimates that only 3.17 percent of PCs were running the operating system as of March 2013, according to ComputerWorld.
The VAR Guy himself is an on-again/off-again/on-again Windows 8 user. Dell’s XPS Ultrabook had a clumbsy touchscreen. But our resident blogger has been impressed with Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch ultrabook. The test system features a custom Start screen that gives The VAR Guy the best of both worlds — Windows 8 touch with the familar Windows 7 Start button and screen.
Will ISVs and channel partners get the best of both worlds as well? We’ll get the answer starting this week at BUILD. Then we’ll gather more evidence at WPC13 in July. Some PC vendors may object to upcoming Surface discounts for WPC13 attendees. But The VAR Guy won’t be complaining — especially if Steve Ballmer successfully describes how Windows 8.1 tablets, ultrabooks and PCs will drive profits for channel partners…