The industry's hopes for Windows 8

As the release date for Microsoft’s latest operating system approaches, the IT industry can't help but ponder how its arrival might stimulate the market.
Windows 8 is going to introduce a number of changes compared to previous versions, including a new graphical interface and a focus on the touchscreen experience. It’s all part of the firm’s strategy to embrace the highly mobile and connected devices that are so popular at the moment (hence the rollout of the Microsoft Surface Tablet that’s about to hit the channel on October 26th as well).
After a tough year for many in the computing sector, hopes are running high that a new OS from Microsoft might encourage spending on both hardware and software.
Let’s find out what the channel thinks:
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima...ard_ingram.jpg“My opinion is that it will stimulate the channel around new devices and drive incremental sales – mobiles and tablet devices particularly need this launch and there are some fantastic calling card products available this side of Christmas, which will in turn drive the adoption of the Windows 8 platform on legacy devices. More so than any other Windows launch, this one has the ability to drive incremental sales beyond just replacement laptop and PC products, and especially those looking to a new mobile or additional tablet device to complement a laptop/PC.” Stewart Hayward, General Manager, Marcoms, C2000
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima...p/sam_dabs.jpg“We are confident that the new interface will encourage existing users to upgrade their machines, but also ensure manufacturers bring a new wave of hardware to the market, which should ensure we have some exciting new products available for Christmas. It also opens up the possibility of upgrading existing users with new components and peripherals as their old products may not bring the same level of usability with the new OS. This provides us with a great opportunity to work with manufacturers to sell the next generation of components and peripherals to consumers, which will traditionally be the margin-rich products that we resellers love.” Sam Binks, Product Manager, Dabs.com
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima...n_atherton.jpg“With its enhanced functionality and touchscreen capability we are confident that this product will invigorate the market and will be snatched up by our customers, in particular our early adopters who we know are keen to try out this exciting new product. We will be introducing Windows 8 at our EntaLive events taking place later this year.” Jon Atherton, Group VP, Entatech
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima...mes_ingram.jpg“We at Ingram Micro are excited about the opportunity that Windows 8 presents to us and our business partners – through new and exciting devices that enhance the PC experience, the standard interface irrespective of the device type or platform, along with the expectation of IT refresh cycles being brought forward – as businesses look to optimise their IT estate by delivering next generation technology for better cost management, collaboration and innovation. Such benefits will also allow our customers to realise incremental revenues through services that augment the Windows 8 upgrade drive.” James Parker, Marketing Director, Ingram Micro
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima...manish_gfk.jpg“Windows 8 focuses on the touchscreen user experience, and the hardware industry is supporting the launch by building innovative form factors that are a convergence between the laptops and the tablets. They are built on the faster processors and will have solid state drives (SSD) with instant-on technology. Lots of investment has been made in marketing and PR activity by leading hardware manufacturers. The launch is expected to invigorate the computing channel.” Manish Goenka, GfK Account Manager
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima..._stevinson.jpg“Windows 8 is going to be massive. I have not been as excited about an operating system since Windows 95. I am like a little kid on Christmas Eve. The channel and VIP’s reseller partners in particular will hugely benefit from the greatest operating system ever witnessed. It will certainly stimulate spending but also create huge opportunities for multiple devices, allowing total and seamless connectivity.” Dave Stevinson, Sales Director, VIP Computers
http://www.pcr-online.biz/_media/ima...seb_dixons.jpg“We look forward to the launch of Windows 8 and the exciting new products that we will have available for customers for the Christmas period.” Sebastian James, Chief Executive, Dixons, in the firm’s Q1 statement

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