Microsoft is the Rodney Dangerfield of the technology industry. They just don’t get any respect. Any change is met with statements about shifting to Linux or iOS. Any change is met with a laundry list of complaints about this, that, or the other. In the end, I’m always amused to wonder – does it all really matter? No matter what – Microsoft will be bashed by the bashers.
Marketing by Microsoft suggests the build time for new Operating Systems by the company will happen faster. Faster releases is a great idea. In the case of the next major Windows OS update, the Microsoft Windows blog formally announced the dates of availability for the 8.1 update.
And what is the response? The disgruntled want to know why MSDN and TechNet subscriber information was not shared. Others are complaining why consumers must wait for the hardware companies. Some people are suggesting Microsoft changes driver APIs in order to extort more money from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Does the timing matter?
Back-to-School. Windows 8.1 is actually being delivered too late in the year. Back to school sales are already happening. The blog post mentions that now is a great time to purchase a Windows 8 device but an 8.1 release could have spurred sales. Instead, how many people have heard or read negative comments about Windows 8 and will shy away? Eh – it’s a missed opportunity but probably not the end of the world.
Programmers. Developers may need to tweak their applications and hopefully have started tinkering with the preview.There is no need to wait for the official 8.1 release.
Rapid Development. As Mary Jo suggests,”The company can RTM Windows and then push patches, fixes and updates to it right up to the time it is generally available — and continue on a regular basis after that.”
Nope – apparently the timing does not matter. Microsoft is on the right track with an 8.1 release. Anything else is just the disgruntled being mean-spirited and trying to push their own personal agendas. Sorry – Linux is not for everyone and a Mac is great if you are willing to pay the price and gamble on a post-Steve company.