Microsoft’s message at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show was that its Metro user interface for mobile “puts people first,” but analysts say the company’s future in mobile depends on putting business first. Its new Windows 8 operating system could be the bridge Microsoft needs between its huge installed base of enterprise customers, and the exploding market for mobile devices.
“As tablets become more prominent in the enterprise, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has significant advantages in security applications, compatibility and management that will ensure a prominent role in the enterprise segment,” says Morgan Stanley. Currently, many workers bring their own tablets (usually iPads) to work, but corporate security and compatibility concerns are encouraging more and more companies to invest in tablets. Research firm Gartner identified tablet purchases as as key driver of IT spending in 2011.
With Windows still dominating the enterprise OS market, Microsoft is uniquely positioned to leverage its installed base as corporate tablet purchases accelerate.
And the company hopes that once people are using Windows 8 at work, using the same operating system on their personal mobile devices will be a natural extension. CEO Steve Ballmer says extending Metro and Windows 8 across devices is Microsoft’s next great opportunity.
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