7 / 10 Split: Can Microsoft Pick Up The Spare?

As Microsoft announced their next operating system with the title of “Windows 7”, many question if Microsoft is attempting to revert back to their roots. Utilizing a more traditional numbered naming scheme may mean that Windows is attempting to streamline its offering and get back to basics. The highly anticipated Vista- successor may just be the most important release for the software giant to date. After what most would call a downright failure with Windows Vista, Microsoft appears to be in a situation where it needs to regain the satisfaction of its customers. Windows 7 must deliver; it’s as simple as that.

Windows 7 is comparable in name to its chief competitor: Apple’s OS X (pronounced “Oh Es Ten”) operating system. With the success and massive strides that Apple has been making within the personal computer industry, it is not a mystery as to why Microsoft would want to emulate the innovative California-based firm. Apple is the model for efficiency and ease-of-use, and let’s face it…Windows isn’t.

Microsoft engineer Mike Nash writes, “The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity.”

“The decision to use the name Windows 7 is about simplicity.”

This is a bit of a new strategy considering operating system releases from Microsoft have been built bigger and bulkier than the OS preceding it. Maybe Windows 7 can break the mold and focus on core functionality and efficiency instead of adding more features and useless functions.

Microsoft has used their shiny “Vista bowling ball” resulting in a 7 / 10 split. They must convert the spare using their brand new “Windows 7-lb. ball” or they stand a good chance of losing their customers to the elusive 10 pin; Apple’s OS X.