New statistics published by Net Applications revealing the current market share of operating systems in the first half of 2013 show that Microsoft’s latest Windows 8 operating system has now moved to a 5.10 percent share of the market.
Net Applications data collection is captured from 160 million unique visitors each month by monitoring around 40,000 websites for its clients.
Windows 8 Market Share Growth
During June 2013, the data captured revealed that Windows 8 saw its biggest increase to date. The data showed that Windows 8 gained 0.83 percentage points, rising from 4.27 percent to 5.10 percent. This growth is significant as it indicates a steady adoption rate among users. In contrast, Windows 7, which has been a dominant player in the market, fell by 0.48 percentage points, decreasing from 44.85 percent to 44.37 percent. This shift suggests that while Windows 7 remains popular, users are gradually transitioning to the newer Windows 8 platform.
Comparative Analysis with Other Operating Systems
During the last months of 2012, Microsoft was able to increase its Windows operating systems market share thanks to the launch of its new OS. However, in 2013, Microsoft’s Windows operating systems have lost market share every month except in March. This decline has allowed other operating systems like OS X and Linux to make gains. Specifically, OS X increased by 0.13 percentage points, reaching a market share of 7.20 percent, while Linux saw a modest gain of 0.02 percentage points, bringing its share to 1.28 percent.
The competition between operating systems is fierce, and these small percentage changes can have significant implications. For instance, the increase in OS X’s market share could be attributed to the growing popularity of Apple’s Mac computers, which are known for their sleek design and robust performance. On the other hand, Linux, although still a minor player in the market, continues to attract a dedicated user base, particularly among developers and tech enthusiasts who appreciate its open-source nature and customization capabilities.
Moreover, the data from Net Applications highlights the dynamic nature of the operating system market. As new technologies emerge and user preferences evolve, market shares can fluctuate rapidly. For example, the introduction of Windows 8 brought a new user interface and features that appealed to some users but also faced criticism from others who preferred the traditional desktop experience of Windows 7. This mixed reception likely contributed to the gradual adoption rate observed in the data.
In addition to individual user preferences, corporate adoption rates also play a crucial role in shaping the market share of operating systems. Many businesses tend to be cautious about upgrading to new operating systems due to concerns about compatibility, training, and potential disruptions to their operations. As a result, they may stick with older, more stable versions like Windows 7 for longer periods, which can slow down the overall market penetration of newer systems like Windows 8.
Furthermore, the competitive landscape is not limited to desktop operating systems. The rise of mobile operating systems such as iOS and Android has also impacted the market. As more users rely on smartphones and tablets for their computing needs, the traditional desktop operating system market faces additional challenges. This trend underscores the importance for companies like Microsoft to innovate and adapt to changing user behaviors and technological advancements.
The data from Net Applications provides valuable insights into the current state of the operating system market. While Windows 8 has shown growth, it faces stiff competition from both older Windows versions and alternative operating systems like OS X and Linux. Understanding these trends is crucial for industry stakeholders as they navigate the evolving landscape and strive to meet the diverse needs of users.
Source: TNW : Net Applications : Image Credit: Robert Linder
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