So long XP! How can Microsoft recreate the magic?

All good things come to an end and this notion beautifully connects with Microsoft's decision to cease use of Windows XP, the most-widely used operating system on desktops across the globe. Come April 8 and users on XP will be forced to switch their allegiances to either of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 platform. Interestingly, the belief among vendor and Microsoft tends to spilt ends. While brands like HP, Dell and Lenovo are continually encouraging users to make the switch to either of the platforms, Microsoft on the other hand is adamant that the only way to move for XP users is Windows 8.1. But that's not all; Microsoft faces some tricky questions which will be posed by its XP users in the coming months. We have come across instances as to how monopoly is not really the trend technology industry, rather it originates to duopoly but with XP, Microsoft managed to attain numero uno position for decades and to replicate same success it needs to replicate the same formula.

Affecting one and all

Recent reports suggest that nearly 95% of ATMs across the globe are functioning thanks to XP which is an extraordinary number to say the least and it seems mindboggling that Microsoft wants all these to be changed to Windows 7 or 8 in very little time. But how, is the glaring question.

There are some nagging issues that could prove to be a stumble block for Microsoft with its ‘move to Windows 8' campaign. Firstly, while Windows 8.1 runs on hardware of manageable proportion, the reality of replacing/upgrading XP running PCs to 8.1 could be far more costly. Now consider, if the XP-running system is equipped with storage drives of 80 gigs than you might have to erase/back-up the data on another location to free up space. Microsoft gleefully admits the drawbacks itself. Other than the cost factor, one has to consider the hardware compatibility issues as well. The drivers offered by companies may not comply with age-old models that have been discontinued.

On the lookout for solutions

Countries like China have resorted to offering their own Windows XP support even after April 8 by teaming up with various IT based companies from the country and it won't be surprising to see other countries follow suit.

Enterprises beware

The very first month that Microsoft releases security updates for supported versions of Windows, attackers will reverse engineer those updates, find the vulnerabilities and test Windows XP to see if it shares those vulnerabilities," Tim Rains, director from Microsoft explained the impact of shutting down XP could result in higher vulnerabilities. "If it does, attackers will attempt to develop exploit code that can take advantage of those vulnerabilities on Windows XP," he adds. Also, one has to remember that with XP, Microsoft stops the service to Office 2003 suite also, which comprises of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc. So either of Office 2007, 2010 or 2013 should be your next destination.

Lessons to learn and take forward

Windows has gone through some strange transitions. 2000 was followed by XP, then came Vista which is nothing more than a masterstroke disaster for Microsoft. Windows 7 tried repairing things for the company and succeeded to some extent but thanks to Windows 8 all the efforts went futile. So what can the next versions offer that can bring back the yesteryear XP-line glory for Microsoft?

- Going ahead, Microsoft needs to bring back the fluidity and simpleness of XP to its OS versions without compromising on look and feel.

- We all know that tablets are the future mainstays for PC makers but even then desktops will make its way through via non-PC users (penetration in markets is very low) and research figures suggest PCs are here to stay.

- Encouraging majors like Intel to remain involved in developing newer, effective desktop (or laptop) hardware.

- Try replicating Apple's software-to-hardware integration and keep a check with vendors about their product line-up.

- In this dynamic market it is imperative that Microsoft keeps reinventing itself in short space of time and thereby attracting more and more users.

- Sorting out the Internet Explorer conundrum.

Since the dawn of 2014, Microsoft has made some strides in the market. Change at helm is always a big event for any organisation and these need to reflect positively for the sake of the company. The company has announced its OneNote version for iOS devices and going forward Office is also expected to become a feature on Apple devices too. There are some high expectations on Windows 9 incoming later this year but before that Microsoft has a big job on its hand trying to get numerous XP users on board to join the Windows 8 wagon. Will it work? Only time will tell.