Sunday, 29 December 2013

Android The Next PC Software Replacing Microsoft?



Android success as the most used operating system currently in phones has been a major boost for phone companies and Google. Being a free OS, that comes with multiple advantages such as free apps different versions with features; Microsoft’s African market share will soon be replaced by android PC version. Even though this might take some time, Android PC software has a 101% competitive edge of replacing Microsoft windows XP and Windows 7 as Africa’s most used PC software.
Microsoft still has a market share in Africa because of the extensible adoption of windows XP and windows 7. Technology advancement encourages most organizations to improve on their current versions, which has also been witnessed in Microsoft when they stopped further development and upgrade of windows XP Service pack one and two, and any other lower versions with a Windows 8 as new version. This has left people with an option to cling on their current versions of XPs and Windows 7 with a few upgrading to Windows 8.
From my interaction with people who have upgraded their versions to windows 8, they don’t like the interface. Its features and user interface is challenging to most people who were used to windows 7 and windows XP. With some users claiming that, if at all they could have touch screen PCs, then windows 8 could have been the best operating system. This being said, future advancement in windows will continue experiencing challenges in its adoptions. It seems they have a challenge in integrating new user interfaces and features while at the same time maintaining important features that encourages its usability. They need to do research on most important user interface features one being the startup menu common in windows XP and Windows 7 and was not included in the first version of windows 8.
The reason why Android will soon replace Microsoft’s windows OS as the most used operating system in PCs in the near future in the African market may be discussed in the following context.
Operating platform
For those who understand computing, developing a platform that interacts directly with the hardware as a resource makes the PC perform faster. The kernel is the lowest level of interaction software can interact with the hardware. Android as a platform has been developed and operates on this platform; this makes its interaction faster. Who else does not like an operating system that executes commands faster and achieves results?
Availability and Affordability (Free)
By availability I mean ease of access. By mere access to the internet android operating system can be downloaded and installed in a PC. It is categorized under the open source software policy. It’s readily available in the internet for download and customization. This is contrary to Microsoft products that are proprietary software that are bought not forgetting being expensive. With the fluctuation of the dollar in the international market, African market is judged by the value of the dollar. This has made Microsoft PC software more expensive and the ones available are counterfeited in the African market. This gives android a competitive edge over Microsoft in the near future. To be sincere Microsoft largely benefits from large private and government institutions that are in a position to procure Microsoft operating systems and products. One thing for sure, Africans love free things, and Google is busy manipulating this advantage with open source free products.
Multiple Apps and customization
Open source community offers multiple apps that are readily available for downloads on android platforms. Android and Google as large community of developers designing and developing apps that serve different user needs in the community. These apps have influenced the extent to which android PC users can customize the operation platform to achieve different tasks. Google has partnered with companies like yahoo to enhance user experience. This has majorly influenced android adoption which has enhanced communication as an essential factor in business operations via email.
Integration
            Android integrates easily with other applications. The compatibility of Android and apps developed on android platforms is appealing. Some of android apps can be installed on windows platform. Encouragingly, android development environment can also be installed on windows operating system.
Rapid advancement
            Android has a rapid development process with versions of android being developed. This is because of the large community of developers who keep on developing advanced operating systems and applications. Not even Microsoft has ever experienced such a rapid development. I guess they have adopted agile process of development with problems associated with applications such as bugs are rectified. This information is solicited from user feedback based on their experience.

Internet
The internet is what has revolutionized the technological world. Android has not been left behind either. As compared to other technologies such as modem use to access the internet, android platform has an accelerated internet speed. Even the use of 2G+ internet connections, android platform still has faster connection as compared to other platforms. The experienced has although been accelerated with the 3.75G+ internet connection technology. I don’t even mind using my phone as an access point to experience the fast internet connection. Windows operating system and the use of modems to access the internet is still slow. I this this is because of the operating platform to execute different commands.

Google with right strategic plan and execution strategy will soon overtake the African market with its free market policy. Android offers a better chance to do this.

0 comments: