Windows 11 will act as an ‘on-ramp’ for Microsoft’s cloud
Latest version of Windows will help attract more developers to Azure
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Ahead of the release ofWindows 11next month,Microsoft’soperating systemis no longer the company’s biggest money maker as itscloud computingbusiness has overtaken Windows in recent years.
AsreportedbyBusiness Insider, CEO Satya Nadella has spent his seven years at the company focused on expandingMicrosoft Azure. In fact, in January of last year Nadella joked that he may begin referring to the company’s operating system as “Azure Edge” since Windows has become an extension of its cloud computing service.
The launch ofWindows 11follows last year’s pandemic-fueledPC boomand comes at a time when chip shortages have made it difficult for consumers to procure new devices. Thankfully, Microsoft has an answer to this in the form of its newWindows 365PC-as-a-service offering that allows users to stream a Windows desktop to any of their devices wherever they are.
As the company’s cloud revenues have grown, Windows is now part of its “More Personal Computing” revenue segment which also includes Xbox, Surface hardware andBingsearch advertising.
An on-ramp for Azure
In the past Microsoft required users to pay to upgrade to the latest version of its operating system but this all changed with the release ofWindows 10back in 2015. Just likeApple, the company allowed users to upgrade for free and this will also be the case with the release of Windows 11 next month.
While users no longer have to pay for Windows upgrades, Microsoft’s operating system still provides a great deal of value for the company as developers are more likely to write software for it due to its large user base. One of the reasons Azure has been able to begin catching up withAWSin the cloud computing space is due to its large install base with Windows as well as withMicrosoft 365.
With Windows 11, Microsoft plans to cater to developers even more with better window management through itsSnap Layoutsthat allow power users to quickly open several applications to pre-set positions on their screens. At the same time though, the company is also changing its Windows app store to give developers a bigger cut of the revenue from their apps.
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The release of Windows 11 will give existing users a reason to continue using Microsoft’s operating system but it will also help Azure grow especially as more people turn toOneDriveto store their files in the cloud.
ViaBusiness Insider
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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