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IT Pro Impact: Windows Developer Road Map

DuPont, Ben | 01/05/12
 (0 ratings) | 1Comments  

Ready to catch the Metro? Windows 8 is a major shift, with features borrowed from desktop gadgets and mobile devices, and it brings a slew of new paradigms for developers. Here's what you need to know.

Future of Windows--and .NET--Not in Doubt

Reports of Windows' demise in the enterprise have been greatly exaggerated. So says our InformationWeek Windows 8 survey of 975 business technology pros at companies with 500 or more employees. When asked about operating systems in use, 90% say they support Windows XP, and 81% run Windows 7; about half overall expect to migrate to Windows 8, though when we drill down, the numbers are greater on the server side vs. desktops and mobile. Still, new laptops will be shipping with the OS soon enough, and enterprise IT teams and developers should get familiar with the significant changes represented by the Metro-style touch-centric interface, by which Microsoft aims to bring the usability and interactivity of smartphone apps to desktops and laptops via live tiles, widgets and gadgets.

The good news for IT: Microsoft promises that anything that runs on Windows 7 will also run on Windows 8, making the transition easy—and maybe even worthwhile, given some slick new features. (S4000112)

Table of Contents

    3    Author's Bio
    4    Future of Windows—and .NET—Not in Doubt
    4    Figure 1: Percentage of Servers That Will Run on Windows 8
    5    Figure 2: Percentage of Tablets and Smartphones That Will Run on Windows 8
    6    HTML5 vs. .NET Smackdown
    7    Really New UI
    8    Components of Metro Style
    8    Figure 3: Attitude Toward Windows 8 Upgrade
    9    Status Check: Windows Azure
    10    Windows Server 8 Features
    10    Figure 4: Windows 8 Platform and Tools
    10    Future of .NET
    11    Status Check: SkyDrive and Live
    12    Status Check: Visual Studio 11
    13    Figure 5: Barriers to Windows 8 Migration
    14    Status Check: Windows Mobile   
    15    Related Reports   

About the Author

Fundamentals: Wireless Mesh Networks

Ben DuPont is a software engineer. After nearly 10 years of developing software and systems in a corporate environment, he founded Nebland Software, an independent software consulting company.

You can reach him at ben@nebland.com.

There won't be uptake on the the new interfaceComment by HarryHappy Mar-20,2012 8:54:09 AMJust like there was no uptake on the Widgets in Vista. If MS does not make the well known desktop available, they are not going to get the upgrades in this version, leaving the door open to defection.Reply

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