Will Windows 8 Push Users (and Partners) Towards the Open-source Platform?

While web hosting customers have been enjoying the fruits of powerful open-source technologies for years, many Windows users patiently hope Microsoft will build new generations of software that will compete in form, functionality and style with Apple, Google, Linux and Amazon.
It’s not that Microsoft does not build good products, it does. But there is a tacit agreement that open-source software has more firepower and flexibility at both the server and arguably desktop level (although many would disagree with this statement!).
That’s why the arrival of Windows 8 is so important to Microsoft. They are attempting a double whammy by attempting to bridge the gap between desktop software and mobile software with their new Metro UI. Metro radically re-engineers its compute engine to jettison legacy features such as the famed ‘Start’ button.

Check out Lifehacker’s recent demo of Windows 8

Recent polls conducted by leading media agencies suggest that 884 out of 1888 IT pros may not be upgrading to Windows 8, despite its groundbreaking features.
While many are ecstatic about new add-ons including Windows-To-Go, which allows Windows 8 to run, even on older versions, from a USB drive, there are many who lament the loss of the Start button making roll-outs to corporate market segments harder.
According to a Tech Republic infographic, the new Windows operating system does not allow ARM-based devices to join AD domains, so it will not help companies who are embracing the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives.
Further, there are additional hardware outlay expenses to consider since companies will have to upgrade their hardware to take advantage of the new revolutionary touch interface.
On the other hand, many corporate IT personnel will welcome the faster boot process, reported to take around 8 seconds.
The new Metro interface will also be used to power its new range of hardware products including the Surface, which is causing a stir amongst Microsoft Partners who now see Microsoft as a potential competitor in their domain.
This could result in a backlash that pushes many users (and partners) away from Microsoft toward rival proprietary systems such as Apple or open-source stalwarts such as Google Android and Linux OS variants.
Microsoft is facing other pressures too. Oracle has made no secret about its plan to attack SQL Server in the database realm with its open-source acquisition, MySQL. This legendary database is the bread and butter of leading content management systems and blogging platforms like WordPress, on offer from Midphase on all shared hosting packages.