Assessing Microsoft's evolution in the Internet of Things

Posted By Kevin Dallas
General Manager

It’s been an incredibly productive autumn so far for us at Windows Embedded. The past few weeks have seen multiple major product and program announcements — the release of Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry, closely followed by its availability through volume licensing; Windows Server 2012 R2 for Embedded Systems’ general availability; and some really exciting changes to our partner program. You can bet we’ve been quite focused.

But after weeks of concerted effort, it’s good to pause and take a realistic look at the true progress we’re making in the industry. The Internet of Things (IoT) is evolving at breakneck speed; what role are Microsoft and Windows Embedded playing in that evolution? As early pioneers in this technology, evidence traditionally shows that Microsoft is leading the charge — and we’re not waiting for others to catch up.

That’s why I read with great interest Gartner’s just-released “SWOT” analysis of Microsoft’s position in the IoT space — a sort of report card on our role in the market (SWOT: Microsoft, Windows Embedded Operating Systems, Worldwide). It’s essentially one acknowledged expert’s considered opinion of our strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats Windows Embedded faces in the great, burgeoning industry of the Internet of Things.

I’ll tell you this: I liked what I read.

I invite you to review this unvarnished assessment of Windows Embedded’s position in the Internet of Things, and as always, please leave your comments here. We’d love to know your thoughts.

 Source: Gartner, SWOT: Microsoft, Windows Embedded Operating Systems, Worldwide, by Alfonso Velosa, Nov. 8, 2013; G000253088