If you think Windows 7 will finally lure users away from XP and redeem Microsoft for Windows Vista, think again, says a new study.
The study, released this week by Kase Networks, reports that 84% of respondents have no plans to upgrade to Windows 7 in the next year. The new operating system is due out by the end of 2009, however the study says a majority of companies will be slow to adopt or migrate to it, choosing to either move to Macs or Linux or stick with Windows XP. Of those who do plan to move to Windows 7, more than half said they were going to do so “specifically to avoid Window Vista”.
The study polled 1,142 IT professionals and found that while some respondents were receptive to the new operating system, many were reluctant migrate over to it immediately for several reasons. 88% of those who were reluctant listed software compatibility as their primary concern. 42% said economic conditions were also a factor.
The study also indicated that while many still plan to stick with XP for awhile, users were aware that there were other options available and many were considering a move to non-Mircosoft operating systems. Although 99% of respondents were using Microsoft operating systems, 50% considered adopting Apple or Linux based operating systems instead, a 7 percent jump from another study conducted in 2008.
What does this mean for Microsoft? Windows is its mainstay. About 40% of its revenue comes from Windows licensing. After losing a three year battle to sell the masses and the enterprise on Vista, Window 7 could make or break their business in the OS marketplace.
As limited in scope as this study may be, it is indicative of a mindset and a stigma among users about a post-XP Windows world. Windows XP is still popular, but it is nearing its end-of-life and, while still spry, it is showing its age. Eventually it will be time to upgrade to something. Windows 7 needs to be a hit or Microsoft will have nothing for XP users to upgrade to and they will inevitably migrate to something else.
The study is available at http://www.kace.com/pdf/analyst-report/Windows-7-Adoption-Survey.pdf