Will Windows 8 be a hybrid? Hopefully.
Rumors say that Microsoft will be unveiling some details about Windows 8 on the upcoming CES in Las Vegas. What can we expect from the next version of Windows? Well, Microsoft seems to be divided into two camps: the old way of client-server installations vs. the new way of cloud services. The problem is that Windows is still a big part of Microsoft’s revenue stream. On one hand Microsoft wants to join the cloud movement with offers like Office365. On the other hand any attempt to move from traditional applications towards Web Apps would erode the necessity for Windows itself. Whether the people at Redmond want it or not, it will happen - sooner or later.
We think Internet Explorer 9 may be a key component of Windows 8. The focus on the providing a seamless web experience may very well be a sign of what to come. If Microsoft is going to keep momentum with Windows, they have got to start seeing the web as the new OS. Microsoft has always been good with user interfaces and that's what we think they should continue focusing on. Web Apps won't kill traditional application the next couple of year, but as soon as 4G and HTML5 get main stream, they will certainly make Web Apps a competitive alternative to traditional applications.
If Microsoft doesn't acknowledge the changes happening, they have a bumpy road ahead. We think they know that a paradigm shift is underway - and that they might as well get the best of it. That’s why we believe (and hope) Windows 8 will be the first hybrid OS from Microsoft to blur the line between traditional applications and Web Apps.