http://feeds.arstechnica.com/~r/arstechnica/index/~3/j34uJD7Eoiw/

This is a very insightful article that shows how Microsoft could be planning to reconcile the different needs of consumers and businesses and reduce the licensing and support burden.

Some key points:

• There will only be Windows, not Windows 9, 10, 11 … which will all require different support cycles
  • This will be possible because since Windows 7 the architecture is secure, robust and stable. Few if any, have reported any problems with application software when upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.
• Windows will be updated with (mainly UI) features every 6 (say) months. You will pay a subscription and thereby remain patched and secure
  • This is possible because Windows Update works well
• There will be different levels of Windows, possibly
  • Mobile – free, to compete with Android (Metro only)
  • Home – will have the ability to connect securely to domain resources but not be on the domain. This is compete in the BYOD market.
  • Business – domains etc
  • Enterprise – more stuff

The Microsoft ecosystem should all be improved by recent news about how Microsoft is moving to address the worse aspects of the Windows Store and side loading.