A look over time at the evolution of computing platforms shows PCs overtaking mainframes and minicomputers, and the coming ascendancy of mobile.
This year Android will surpass Windows in number of devices shipped, while iOS is expected to pass Windows by next year.
This week’s Microsoft announcement of Surface may indicate an abandonment of the software giant’s business model that has worked for more than three decades.
The industry is re-integrating with single companies now working to create operating systems, stores, service, and product design.
Apple was the first to go down this path. And it has both Google and Microsoft following in its footsteps.
“Whether Microsoft or Google will be successful in their integration efforts remains to be seen,” writes Horace Dediu for mobile firm Asymco. “The challenges are immense as the value of the existing chains are enormous and the bonds that tie the company to them very strong. Breaking these ties will seem like value destruction and corporate antibodies will be set loose to kill the transitions.”
The post offers compelling charts that graphically describe the changes afoot.
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