While I do agree that Microsoft probably needs to change their direction a bit (I'm not fan of Windows 8, but then, I'm a Linux user so that speaks for itself), I don't completely agree with your assertion.
First, think about what you said. "Excel and Word are the only things keeping them alive."
That's a generalization. Yes, Office is most certainly their cash cow, and generates tons of revenue from businesses and enterprise in general (to say nothing about higher education and government). But guess what? Office users will (generally) have Windows installed, particularly in larger enterprises. So, using one almost guarantees using the other.
I think it also ignores Microsoft's gaming division (think Xbox et al). So, no, I don't think MS is quite as badly done for as some may think. Focusing on Windows and Windows' success (or failure) exclusively is to ignore the rest of the picture.
I do agree that they may need to reconsider what path they're on (they've been doing some soul-searching to that end) but on the other hand, it's equally important to remember that Microsoft enjoys a lot of momentum in the marketplace, most especially with big business and many governments. Could Windows 8 change that? Maybe. Heck, it might even hurt them down the road. But terms like "vendor lock-in" exist for a reason, and I believe MS has previously done a fantastic job at illustrating why. The death of Windows won't be sudden, and it certainly won't be proclaimed first by Goldman Sachs.
First, think about what you said. "Excel and Word are the only things keeping them alive."
That's a generalization. Yes, Office is most certainly their cash cow, and generates tons of revenue from businesses and enterprise in general (to say nothing about higher education and government). But guess what? Office users will (generally) have Windows installed, particularly in larger enterprises. So, using one almost guarantees using the other.
I think it also ignores Microsoft's gaming division (think Xbox et al). So, no, I don't think MS is quite as badly done for as some may think. Focusing on Windows and Windows' success (or failure) exclusively is to ignore the rest of the picture.
I do agree that they may need to reconsider what path they're on (they've been doing some soul-searching to that end) but on the other hand, it's equally important to remember that Microsoft enjoys a lot of momentum in the marketplace, most especially with big business and many governments. Could Windows 8 change that? Maybe. Heck, it might even hurt them down the road. But terms like "vendor lock-in" exist for a reason, and I believe MS has previously done a fantastic job at illustrating why. The death of Windows won't be sudden, and it certainly won't be proclaimed first by Goldman Sachs.