10 Biggest Consumer Tech Trends of the Future, Research Paper Example

Course Project – Windows

Computer science is similar to purchasing an automobile in that the moment that the product is outdated the moment that the consumer makes a purchase. As with new cars, the thrill of having the latest in technology is soon drowned out by the hype of the “next big thing.” In an effort to remain relevant within the public’s gaze, IT companies are constantly searching for ways to improve the overall user experience. When comparing Windows Server 2008 with Windows Server 2012, one can see the efforts Microsoft to create simple products that are meant for everyday use.

In 2008, Microsoft debuted the Freedom on the Choice of Interface feature. The attribute gave users a sense of security with a number of features that assisted in enhancing performance. Such characteristic contributed to an overall improved user experience but had the flaw of a single GUI that could not be turned off by the user. Microsoft changed its feature with its 2012 Server debut. Individuals exploring Freedom on the Choice of Interface were allowed to turn the GUI feature on and off as they saw fit, which placed full control of the interface in their hands. Users even had the option of bypassing GUI altogether, which added a better sense of freedom.

Microsoft’s 2012 upgrade to Freedom on the Choice is in line with the simplicity that consumers desire when purchasing tech products. A survey conducted by EML Wildfire reveals, “Consumers generally see gadgets as part of their daily lives rather than frivolous technology just for the sake of it.” In addition,  “Almost half of the consumers in our survey said they buy gadgets simply to make their lives easier, 32% say they help them to enjoy their favourite pastimes and 15% say they help them with their work” (6). In purchasing products that are in line with their personalities, consumers typically buy items that do not take a lot of effort to operate and include a lot of support in the instance of crisis.

This is probably why the 2012 Windows Server was upgraded to include more simplified licensing. Whereas the company’s 2008 attempt only catered to those who could afford to maintain subscriptions, the 2012 version afforded more individuals the opportunity to become license holders. Four categories – datacenter, standard, essentials and foundation – delineate the type of support customers can receive. Whereas datacenter and standard were reserved for personal use, essential and foundation were for businesses

Licensing was something that customers despised when Windows Server 2008 made its debut. Many consumers disliked the idea of investing in a system that required a substantial amount of financial commitment long after the system was outdated. In addition, Microsoft is known to no longer support software after a number of years has passed so, to customers, such investment had few benefits. The licensing that was rolled out in 2012 was an answer to complaints as it offered consumers the opportunity to receive support.

In addition to improving licensing and security, Microsoft also addressed storage. As customers began to use electronic devices while on the go, the company noticed that its 2008 version that focused on hardware space was dated. As USA TODAY reports, “Increasingly consumers want to be able to share rooms, cars, bikes, and even talents. There are already apps like AirBNB that help consumers rent out their bedroom for a day, but in the future just about everything will be able to be shared.”Consumers wanted to save documents on one device and upload them on another gadget. Such action was not possible with just hardware. This is why the company began to encourage buyers to embrace cloud saving that allowed for access to documents from anywhere. Microsoft placed additional emphasis on such concept in 2012 when it rolled out its two to three way mirroring parity. This feature gave customers more storage power. In addition, the company enhanced its cloud system that let buyers keep all of their documents in one place online.

All of the improvements that Microsoft made to its Windows Server between 2008 and 2012 demonstrate the company’s focus on the consumer. Microsoft improved its software licensing platform because customers complained, and it understood the need of consumers to save information without using a disc or memory stick. It is for the customer that the large IT business modified its features. Instead of going the way of complexity and losing a large amount of buyers, Microsoft decided to make things simpler and more accessible to users and, in doing so, continues to be an influential IT company that other organizations follow after.

References

Shinder, Deb (2012). ‘10 compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows Server 2012.’ Tech Republic. Aug. 26, 2012 Web. http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-compelling-reasons-to-upgrade-to-windows-server-2012/

‘Why Buy?’ EML Wilfire (2015).

Zaagman, Steve (2015). ‘10 biggest consumer tech trends of the future.’ USA TODAY. Jan. 9, 2015. Web. http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/01/09/ces-2015-10-hottest-future-trends/21509737/