Diversity makes good sense

What happens if Microsoft fails to persuade consumers and business that its time to upgrade to Windows 8? Nature has demonstrated time and time again that diversity is the secret to success. An over reliance on a single organism can be catastrophic for an ecosystem. At the height of its success Windows was the logical choice for many manufactures, an integrated stable platform from which to build a product range. 

Since Window XP there has been a gradual erosion of trust and enthusiasm for any new iteration of Windows. This has created an opportunity for Linux. 

Windows as a platform is not going to disappear over night. Most Windows user only upgrade when they buy a new desktop machine. Apple wants as many users to upgrade as quickly as possible, hence why they charge a token amount.  Mistakenly Apple users believe that free must imply a less sophisticated experience. Android has on the other hand demonstrated that people do want an updated operating system when it clearly is demonstrated that it is free, sophisticated and capable. 

Microsoft continues to inflict on the average user an unbearable amount of aggravation to do the smallest thing. No amount of anti virus seems to prevent hours if not days lost with IT departments burdened with rectifying ever more infections. IT departments need to be aware, and confident, that replacing Windows is tried and tested. That there is a comprehensive, stable ecosystem available which can contribute to the bottom line by not being a drag on resources. Diversity makes good sense in all ecosystems.