EXCLUSIVE: Why Microsoft NZ is betting big on Windows 10

Speaking to Computerworld NZ first on Windows 10, Frazer Scott, Marketing & Operations Director, Microsoft NZ explains why the new OS is ready and waiting for Kiwi businesses.

“And perhaps what is most assuring is the growing opportunities in New Zealand across the ecosystem.

“Take our Build conference for example. This was attended by around 500 developers in Auckland last Saturday, which is indicative of the growing interest in Windows 10 and a huge vote of confidence from the developer community.

“Windows 10 provides cross platform benefits for developers which span across enterprise, smaller sized businesses and consumers.

“Also it will help drive greater uptake in the mobile space as Windows 10 provides developers with the ability to build an application and deploy it across all environments.

“Further to Build we announced developer kits to help build iOS and Android applications on Windows devices which will further boost our mobile business.”

Revenue?

While opportunities appear endless for all aspects of Windows 10 surrounding businesses and developers, one question that the Redmond hierarchy has so far dodged lies around its ability to make serious cash from the launch.

Yes Microsoft’s many enterprise deals will require monetary investment to ensure migration, and yes the free upgrade isn’t available to all and is only applicable for a year, but is it enough to ensure Windows 10 doesn’t become a loss leader?

“We are in this first year of its life cycle and afterwards we will have a different economic model for Windows 10,” adds Scott, who like Microsoft COO Kevin Turner, remained coy on the issue of revenue.

“What’s been really apparent is that if you look at our share price over the past year or two, and the growth it has had, we have continued to grow our top line revenue and profitability.

“And this is in a world where Windows has lost share and in a world where we are moving to cloud services that have a higher cost of sales and a lower yield.

“So from our perspective what you’re seeing is a very resilient and diverse organisation.”

Largely echoing the comments of Turner, when speaking at the Credit Suisse technology conference in December 2014, even though Microsoft has yet to publicly reveal its pricing framework, “the one thing I can tell you that we’ve not had any conversations on is Windows 10 being a loss leader for us.”

In utilising the Windows-as-a-Service model, the widely held belief is that Microsoft will monetise its service offerings, with Turner acknowledging “additional opportunities for us to bring additional services to the product in a creative way.”

On July 29 however, the moment of truth will arrive.

Businesses and consumers can get Windows 10 for PCs and tablets by either taking advantage of the free upgrade offer, or through new Windows 10 device retailers in New Zealand.

The lines are now open for Kiwis to reserve their free upgrade, and with momentum on Microsoft’s side, perhaps Windows 10 can successful eradicate the wrongs of its predecessor.

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