In another article I wrote in March of 2012, I had argued that the real challenge Microsoft had in the enterprise was getting these apps into companies before Apple does.
I said:
Here’s the bottom line – the same attributes that make the iPad a fantastic way to read the New York Times will be the very same attributes that make the iPad a fantastic way to update a company’s Accounts Receivables.
Those iPads sneaking into the enterprise today will be able to prove their value as enterprise class devices tomorrow.
Microsoft know this – this is why a Windows Tablet strategy is mission critical.
The next time someone tells you that iPads are just media consumption devices, just chuckle. You know better.
As we start to see Microsoft partners dig into the Modern UI, this is the step needed to hold back the tidal wave of Apple devices that are creeping/flooding the enterprise.
Ironically, an ideal scenario for Microsoft might be this:
- Companies will start to send developers for training
- Developers come back and build useful and sexy business apps
- Employees get used to using these apps at work and using Windows 8 devices
- They get back home and wonder about what other applications are in the app store
- They do some research and find apps they like
- They like the devices they use for work
- They buy devices for the home as well
It’s so crazy, it just might work.
Either way, pay close attention to the enterprise story. That’s where real money is spent.
SAP, ORACLE and PeopleSoft deployment projects typically cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. I know because I’ve been on a lot of them.
If Microsoft can make the case that Windows 8 makes sense as part of an N-tiered app architecture, the sky is the limit.
What do y’all think?
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