Steve Ballmer Suggests Microsoft Has No Backup Plan if Windows 8 Fails

Only time and sales figures will ultimately determine if Windows 8 is a success or not, and in the meantime, all we can do on the consumer side is speculate. Microsoft, however, is in a position to do more. The Redmond software giant could, for example, come up with a Plan B in case Windows 8 and its radically redesigned interface doesn't catch on with consumers. Interestingly, it doesn't appear Microsoft is too worried about that scenario playing out.

In an interview with The Seattle Times, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sort of dodged the question of what Microsoft's plan will be if Windows 8 doesn't take off the way the company hopes.

Read more at source:
Maximum PC | Steve Ballmer Suggests Microsoft Has No Backup Plan if Windows 8 Fails
 
Yes, "Sorry the question you are trying to ask is not valid. Please try another question or contact your vendor". At Microsoft one cannot ask such a question. It was like asking Stalin "what if socialism fails?". Ballmer would send you to TRON style cyber-gulag for less than that. LOL.
But ok, plan B is W7, isn't it? ....Or third party hacks? ....Start8? ....Hoo! Hoo! Ballmer! ...Start8! ;)
 

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They will make it up as they go along.

It is called fluid management.
 

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Windows 7 has support until 2019. and by then (hopefully) Windows 9 will be completed, which will correct all defects and deficiencies in the Windows 8!
:roflmao:
 

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Ballmer is a bad CEO but I think this is a little unfair. What are they supposed to do? Release Windows 9 in January 2013? They're stuck with it for a minimum of three years.
 

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When I first used Win 8 I was sure that it was going to be failure, but now I think it will be liked by most everyone. I'm not 100% convinced of that but I do not think it will fail. One thing that MS should do is to put out a good tutorial on it. Maybe they already have but if so I haven't heard of it. The only good tutorials that I have read were from this forum. MS should follow suit.
 

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A tutorial showing you how to use something doesn't necessarily make that something magically good. Perhaps it's not going to be liked, even if it's known how to accomplish it.
 

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In other news, the publisher of the "Windows 8 for Dummies" series is expecting record sales. :) :p
 

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There's never an absolute in life, but I think 8 will be a smash hit. It finishes the "trifecta" on devices. They just mimicked what iMe & Co already pulled off. When Windows phone 8 is released it will hammer the nail home.
 

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Having a backup plan can make you complacent too (well, if this fails, I always have <plan b> to fall back on). It makes you put 100% into the success of something - the only thing you must be sure of is that your ideas are sound and that you feel like you have a viable chance for success with <plan a>, and then sometimes you have to take a risk. Not everyone will like Windows 8 (just like not everyone likes any one thing), but it will be successful because it is good at what it does. It may not be what *you* want it to do, but it does merge the Windows OS line with touch very well, and it does allow for different form factors, different hardware architectures, but similar application stacks to happen on a platform used by the vast majority of the world's computing population. Only time will truly judge Windows 8 and the variants that it runs, and we will all see whether it is kind or not.
 

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    1x Samsung 250GB SSD
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    Noctua NH-D15

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A tutorial showing you how to use something doesn't necessarily make that something magically good. Perhaps it's not going to be liked, even if it's known how to accomplish it.
I agree with you. But a good tutorial would certainly help.
 

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    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
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Windows 8 cannot fail. Everyone who doesn't read all that negative press should actually try and use it, not just the god-awful look. The "SkyDrive" and metro explorer may suck, but please, let's just try it.
 

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    iPad Air
Windows 8 cannot fail. Everyone who doesn't read all that negative press should actually try and use it, not just the god-awful look. The "SkyDrive" and metro explorer may suck, but please, let's just try it.

+1... Time will tell on Win8.
 

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I find that people will at first be iffy about it, sales won't immediately go through the roof as historically speaking, Windows releases have always done that in the recent past. But, once people start using it, they'll be tripped out for sure by it, this is for sure. After some time, it'll grow on those users and they'll come to like it. Granted, they will need some explanation, HP is developing an app for such that will be preloaded on HP machines and will be available for general use across Windows 8 PCs. Of course, there will be the ninny nannies that just won't use it altogether.

I also bet that Eight Forums will have a HUGE uptick in traffic. :p

Guessing that Microsoft has said a few times that Windows 8 is a bet on the future, considering they've refreshed basically EVERYTHING they have to offer, except for the new Xbox and Kinect 2, all bets have been placed and all chips (hehehe, chips, get it?) are in. It's make or break for them.

It'll pay off. If not now, later.
 

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they'll be tripped out for sure by it

It might be bad trip for many.



I also bet that Eight Forums will have a HUGE uptick in traffic

Traffic on this forum has been pathetic up to now - in comparison to SF at this stage.

That is because there is little interest in win8.

Only about 1/5 th as many people are using 8 compared to 7 at this stage.

Of course, when the oem's start shoving it at people there will be more traffic.
 

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Traffic on this forum has been pathetic up to now - in comparison to SF at this stage.

That is because there is little interest in win8.

Only about 1/5 th as many people are using 8 compared to 7 at this stage.

Of course, when the oem's start shoving it at people there will be more traffic.

In comparison, Windows 7 had the official Beta and RC version and immediately it was announced that all the testers who sign up will get a free copy at the end.
And it was announced all over internet, on many sites and forums.

In Windows 8, we had only previews, which anyone could download and try.
 

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In comparison, Windows 7 had the official Beta and RC version and immediately it was announced that all the testers who sign up will get a free copy at the end.

Really ? As I recall there was a very small number who were accepted onto that program.

I had numerous beta /leak/versions and the RC - I didn't get a free copy. I don't recall any of the regulars - even the team mebers at Seven Forums getting a free copy either.

You will just have to accept the fact win8 is not popular at this stage.
 

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Pure speculation here on my part, of course, but my guess is that most people will adapt and move on, much as they did when there was an uproar about the new interface in XP. Buy a new PC and you have Windows 8: most people will not have the knowledge to install another OS to replace Windows 8 even if they had the media in hand.

At least here in the states, we're a consumer culture. Sure, there will be complaints about the new interface, and some people may try to go another route (like the fruit company), but in the long run Windows dominates the PC market and that's not going to change anytime soon, until or unless a truly viable alternative comes along. The percentage of PC users who actually have technical skills is small, so they'll have little option but to adapt to the changes if they want to continue using a PC.

There will surely be a slew of web sites, self-help books, and more devoted to Windows 8. Those with few technical skills will have plenty to help them navigate the new interface, and for most people whose entire PC use is web surfing and e-mail that will be more than enough.
 

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Really ? As I recall there was a very small number who were accepted onto that program.

I had numerous beta /leak/versions and the RC - I didn't get a free copy. I don't recall any of the regulars - even the team mebers at Seven Forums getting a free copy either.

You will just have to accept the fact win8 is not popular at this stage.

Yes, really! I know of at least fifty people in my town (Zagreb, Croatia), who received an invitation to download Windows 7 from Microsoft Connect.

''Dear *****,

**You are receiving this offer due to your participation in the mini-beta program**

Thank you for doing your part in making Windows 7 great! As a member of the technical beta program you took the time to download, install and give us your feedback on Windows 7 during development. To recognize your outstanding contribution to the product we are pleased to tell you that your complimentary copy of Windows 7 English is now available on Connect for download.

Thank you for doing your part in making Windows 7 great! As a member of the technical beta program you took the time to download, install and give us your feedback on Windows 7 during development. To recognize your outstanding contribution to the product we are pleased to offer you a copy of the final version of Windows 7 in your choice of your local language or English. Windows 7 English is now available on Connect for download, while other languages will follow shortly.

Accept the Invitation

or copy the following URL and paste it into your Web browser's address bar: http://connect.microsoft.com/windows7/********************

Once you have accepted your invite you may choose to download either your local language or English. English is available now and local languages will follow as they become available. Please check back for your specific language as we will not send email as new ones are added. We will send an email when all languages are complete.

http://connect.microsoft.com/windows7/Downloads/***************

You may also request your RTM product key on Connect once you have accepted the invitation.

**IMPORTANT NOTES**

· Your product key and images will only be available on Connect for 14 days. You must write this key down and keep it in a safe place. We are unable to replace any lost keys.

· Your RTM key will only activate *one* image of your choice so please ensure you activate only the language version you wish to keep.

As always, it’s been a pleasure working with each and every one of you!

Regards,
The Windows 7 Beta Team

Jeff, Jura, Paul, Todd, Wendy
''

I also tested lots of unofficial versions and leaks, but one official RC and registration to MS Connect brought me the RTM version of Windows 7 and a key for it. :cool:
 

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