Windows 8 might be the biggest leap forward since Windows 95. And Microsoft insists that they’ve learned from past failures such as Vista…

These are the first lines of an article on FastCoDesign.com (one of our favorite tech/web blogs) regarding what’s coming from Microsoft – the fabled, much-anticipated, breath-bated, work-in-progress, soon-to-be-released: Windows 8… We’ve all been watching the mobile device operating system (“OS”) wars going on, and the drastic user interface changes driven largely by Apple and the ramp up of mobilization in general.  We’ve all wondered what’s next, and marveled at the pace of changes…we’ve also wondered if what’s next will actually be better – actually “new and improved” – or just new…

Well, no matter what Microsoft does next with its Windows OS in version 8, some will hate it, some will love it, and many will keep on using it without thinking too much about it, with a sigh and a roll-of-the-eyes at having to re-learn everything again.  The difference today is that Microsoft is no longer as dominant as they once were – Apple is the most highly-valued tech stock these days; their iOS (and app ecosystem) has driven technology change and innovation especially over the past few years.  So Microsoft cannot afford any missteps – a mediocre or bad release (like Vista) of a new OS will simply accelerate the loss of customers to other platforms, and they can no longer afford the losses.

BUT, the cool thing about this situation for Microsoft is that they now have to actually innovate and compete – and WIN! They can no longer settle for mediocre, simply because they are the biggest, dominant player, and can get away with it by clever, mass-marketing and momentum – they don’t have momentum any more!  So with necessity birthing invention (per the old adage), this may turn out to be a golden opportunity for Microsoft to show they’ve got great brains and can produce great, leading-edge products.  Check out the article and see how the debate has already begun:

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669407/microsoft-gets-brutally-honest-about-redesigning-windows

The NSU team will be watching Windows 8 along with you.  When it’s released soon, we’ll work with you to make the most of it – keeping you productive, and growing!

– The Chief Dreaming Officer