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Since the launch of Windows 8, word around the block has been the new
OS is not getting the warm reception Microsoft expected. There have
been numerous reports regarding slow user adoption and a lackluster
performance as compared to Windows 7’s launch. This is not the case
according to Windows’ Chief Tami Reller. Speaking at a technology conference, Reller confidently stated that the company had sold 40 million licenses of Windows 8 so far.
If Reller is to be believed, Windows 8 is outpacing Windows 7
comfortably. Back when it was launched, it took 10 weeks for Windows 7
to sell 60 million copies. Going by average, that would mean 6 million
licenses per week, which would mean 40 million would have taken around
seven weeks or close to two months. At this rate, it is clear to see
that Windows 8 is selling faster than Windows 7. Why then was the buzz
negative?
It is a pertinent question to ask the people at Microsoft. Almost all
major new outlets have reported that Windows 8 is slow out of the
blocks and users have not responded enthusiastically to it. Despite the
hype created by Microsoft and the rampant advertising, one cannot help
but notice that the sales of Windows 8 have been anything but
spectacular. If the Windows chief is saying it, it makes people want to
believe it.
The fact behind the mystery is that selling 40 million licenses
doesn’t mean Windows 8 has 40 million users. Tami Reller conveniently
ignored to clarify the details regarding who had purchased the licenses
thus far. According to industry insiders, even if the figure is
accurate, most of the licenses have been sold to hardware partners who
are helping Microsoft provide Windows 8 to customers. They include
companies such as Dell, HP and Lenovo.
It is the responsibility of the partners to deliver the product to
the final consumer. Till then, the copies of Windows 8 will be lying on
shelves gathering dust. So, what Ms. Reller really meant was that 40
million licenses have been sold thus far but not all of them to users.
It is anybody’s guess how many people are actually using the new Windows.
Another reason why Microsoft has been able to ship so many copies of
Windows 8 is because of the low price. Microsoft offered users the
option to upgrade their operating system for a mere $40, a price which
the company has never offered before. Many users jumped at the
opportunity to get their hands on the new OS even though they had no
idea how it was. However, the honeymoon period will end in February when
the prices will rise. That would be the litmus test for the true
success of Windows 8.
As of now, people can only speculate as to the number of people who
are using Windows 8. It may be some time before a clearer picture
emerges.
