Several people are pontificating about the operating system that will be forever known as Windows 7.  Better that than the follow up to Vista. The idea that Windows 7 will be modular is almost accepted fact by now, but the thoughts on method of delivery are not as clear.

For business, that is, big business, a subscription format will be only a little different than the situation now. Most CFOs will simply accept the change as another cost of doing business.

What is less certain is how the people who buy computers and operating systems for home use will feel. The home user may simply look at the purchase of the operating system as a necessary evil, like auto insurance. The difference is, people are used to the idea of never ending auto insurance premiums,for it has always been, whereas operating systems have always been purchase and forget about it for 3 to 5 years - this includes those who are early adopters and rabid fanatics.

Purchasing a subscription from Microsoft requires a commitment - from both parties. Microsoft is wanting to see that river of gravy train running with no change in the flow. Consumers, putting out consistently for the operating system, are going to expect consistent change and upgrades, with no stop in the flow of problem-solving code. Improved driver support, and all other of the niggling problems that simply get dismissed as ‘too little to worry about until the next service pack or major change’ will no longer be able to be dismissed, as, since constant money is flowing, the user base has every right to expect repairs to become a flow as well. Things put off for over 6 months, such as the major flaw in Windows Home Server, that Microsoft doesn’t want to talk about, will no longer be tolerated.

Is Microsoft up to the task of delivering working, non-buggy code on a consistent basis? That is the question we, and Microsoft itself, should ask.

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Tags: windows 7, windows vista, modularity, microsoft, subscription, higher requirements