Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating systems on the market – both for personal and business use. In fact, as of May 2018, 81.73% of all computers employed a version of Windows (StatCounter), which shows just how favored it is as an operating system.
In terms of business, Windows also dominates the horizon, with most firms using this particular OS worldwide – but what’s the reason, and why is it indeed the best for businesses?
Applications
Windows applications boast superb features in comparison to other operating systems. Of course, other platforms with well-developed programs exist, but those designed for Windows never fail to come out on top – both in the popularity and functionality sense.
Just look at Microsoft Office as a fine example. It’s available to Windows and Mac users, yet the former enjoy a far more seamless, optimized experience since it’s created by Microsoft and tailored for its users, which can only serve to boost productivity tenfold – a massive bonus for businesses, no matter their niche.
Popularity
It’s not solely a user-friendly experience driving Windows’s popularity; familiarity also breeds its massive audience. Given most computer users have used a Windows device at some point in their lives, organizations need to spend less time and money training staff to use their systems.
Conversely, the same can’t always be said for other operating systems, like Mac or Linux, which aren’t inherently inferior. However, they are generally unknown digital landscapes for many everyday folks, who would need to be taught to use them from a grassroots level.
Collaboration
Many businesses love collaboration, and for that to happen, compatibility with other organizations must remain smooth. With Windows being the chief operating system globally, it makes sense for companies and stakeholders in collaboration to operate the same uniform system – and in most cases, guess which one that will be (hint: it’s the most popular).
After all, business deals, partnerships, and overall communication can easily be impeded by conflicting functions, clashing files, and incompatibility woes. For example, when companies work with digital marketing agencies like Click Intelligence to boost their visibility and website traffic, they will undoubtedly send files to one another. In this regard, document issues stemming from opposing programs and operating systems can waste irritating amounts of time, effort, and even money if the problem persists.
Fortunately, complaints like these can be avoided for the most part by unified operating systems, of which Windows is the reigning governor of the land – and has been for decades.
Cost
Naturally, cost is a major player for businesses scoping out the right operating system for them personally. Still, an OS goes significantly deeper than price; hardware compatibility, feature needs, user retraining, and potential updates or even complete overhaul of devices all bulk up the bill. Each part of this bill needs to be accounted for, yet Windows often comes out more favorable overall.
Developers like Apple are famed for charging eye-watering amounts for computing devices that are, in many instances, either only slightly superior, the same as, or occasionally even inferior to Windows computers – the latter of which usually cost much less.
Software
Windows provides the largest software selection for its platform than other operating systems, allowing users ample choice in a labyrinth of options. Convenient for users such variety may be, but what it really means is this: it’s a kick in the backside for software developers – a motivation that keeps them firmly on their competitive pinky toes.
Developers must push the boundaries of possibility to the next level on a consistent basis, conjuring the best software that appeals to users, garnering their interest – and subsequently their purses – to prevent them from choosing others in the vast sea of programs available in today’s irrecoverably digital planet.
