Hi Brian Newby,

I'm sure Microsoft is looking at all variations of Windows as a long term play. After all, they're known for releasing version after version until they finally get it right -- or right enough (version 3.0?).

Apple has had some serious problems with its cloud services -- such as MobileMe and  iCloud -- and also often doesn't play nice with other operating systems. Microsoft, however, realizes the importance of the cloud and is demonstrating that it also will play nice, at least in basic features, with other operating systems. The ability of iPhone users to user some of the "Rooms" features is an example.

Microsoft is a master at giving products confusing names. It helps keep IT managers employed if they can cut through the confusion. 

pcharles - Yes, every vendor would like to lock customers in to their platform. Apple and Microsoft are leaders in this area. 

Alan, I definitely feel Microsoft's hope with all of this is the long-term play.  They have the resources and the chops to look at this long-term.

I don't know they are seeing it that way, but they probably are.  Previous Windows phones and the Zune have been such bombs and like they tried with Zune, it feels a little like they are trying to out-Apple Apple, which can only end in tears.

Still, if the integration of Microsoft's devices and software norms and forms, while Apple's shine dulls, the overall market in 2014-2015ish could look a lot different than today.

Hi DukeW,

Windows Phone 8 is a very nice OS. It really is, although some people might prefer the less dynamic icons of iOS and Android (although Android has widgets).

The integration with other Microsoft devices will be an important consideration for enterprises, especially those that want to replace their aging BlackBerrys. Could Windows Phone 8 be the enterprise device of choice? Windows Phone is just three or four percent of the phone market.

If you like Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 could be an obvious choice -- if you want all the cloud features for storing all your documents, videos, photos, etc. and being able to retrieve them on any device. Microsoft's cloud offerings are in some ways much better than Apple's iCloud, and more tolerant of working with non-Windows operating systems.

In recent years, Microsoft's music as the Pied Piper has been quieter. It still controls the desktop, but Apple certainly has made significant strides.

Hi magneticnorth (Joy),

Good point. I think Window Server 2012 has been getting good reviews.

However, Microsoft still will have to make the case to enterprises that Windows Phone 8 offers valuable features that the iPhone and Android phones don't have. Integration is a key argument.

Hi pcharles,

As consumers and enterprises increasingly pick devices based on the ecosystem, Microsoft understands that it's important to market the value of buying into it's various Windows 8 devices -- desktops, laptops, tablets and phones -- and even the Xbox 360, which has tie-ins to this ecosystem.

The Microsoft, iOS and Android ecosystems could help destroy RIM, which can't come close, even once its new BlackBerry 10 handsets are available.

Hi nathanwosnack,

I have a Lenovo convertible X41 Tablet PC that I bought as soon as it was available in September 2005. I loved it for taking notes with a stylus, which has many advantages over a paper notebook. Too bad the iPad doesn't have a great -- i.e., thin-point stylus.

The X41, however, didn't perform as well as I had hoped, especially based on how much it cost compared to non-Tablet PCs.

Alas, my X41's hard disk drive died a year or two ago and it doesn't pay to replace it, if it even can be replaced.

Hi Mitch Wagner,

The difference is that MP3s and ebooks are in demand by customers. BYOD is in demand by employees. 

BYOD will continue to be tolerated until it starts resulting in security disasters and lost work. And also when enterprises become more aware of hidden costs. 

I get the difference. But employees are consumers, too, and have the same desires -- great phones that serve their purposes, rather than aging BlackBerrys or even aging iPhones and Android phones.

BYOD shouldn't be "tolerated," but embraced by enlightened IT departments that work with employees to offer the best mix of devices that benefit everyone. Perhaps, as you noted in an earlier comment, Windows Phone 8 will become a preferred platform, rather than BlackBerry, and employees will be much happer receiving a state-of-the-art Windows Phone handset.

However, I want to see state-of-the-art Windows Phone 8 handsets with great physical keyboards.

Hi Mitch Wagner,

There are several reasons why Windows Phone 8 hasn't captured more than a few percentages of market share.

1. The iOS and Android juggernaut. People who already have iPhones and Android phones mostly like what they have and haven't seen anything spectacular from a Windows Phone to change their minds. This leads to...

2. No true flagship Windows Phone handset, unlike the iPhone 4, 4S and 5, the Samsung Galaxy S III and, interestingly, the Samsung Galaxy Note and now the Note 2. The Lumia 900 was good, but had problems because...

3. Until Windows Phone 8, the Windows Phone OS didn't support the highest end hardware, including higher resolution screens and cameras. As a result, see No. 2.

4. Lack of applications. Microsoft has a done a good job convincing developers to produce apps, but there still are omissions. So users who wanted the largest selection and highest quality apps picked the iPhone, and those who wanted a very large selection of apps (with varying degrees of quality) picked Android. All of this leads to...

5. Lack of support by cellular operators. 'Nuff said. So....

6. What compelling reason is there to switch from iOS or Android?!

Now -- Microsoft is obviously not without resources. It's going to spend an enormous amount of money marketing Windows Phone 8 and its Windows ecosystem in general. People should know about Windows Phone 8, but I'd like to see great marketing that spells out exactly why you need a Windows Phone 8 and not iOS or Android. 

For example, the Nokia 920 probably has the best camera for low light of any cellular phone.

Microsoft's best chance for success might be trying to convince feature phone users to pick Windows Phone 8.

Also, Microsoft might have a more compelling story for enterprises, with the ease of integration with all the other Windows devices, combined with IT controls for all these devices to tie everything into a neat package that runs MS Office.