The most successful companies are those who rise to the challenge of change and that is exactly what Microsoft is doing by making preparations to wind-down its Windows operating system. Microsoft have been developing an internet-based OS called Midori, which is as different to Windows as an alcoholic drink is to a double-glazed hole in the wall.
Midori is not dependent or tied to a single PC, just as most of us are not in this day and age. Windows worked when people only ever used one machine which is at odds with today's more mobile working practices.
Microsoft have done well to identify that it needs to use virtualisation just as its rivals do in order to keep up with, and solve, the difficulties in modern day computing. It is believed that Microsoft are making a Midori push (not to be confused with what you'd order on a Friday night out) now as it is doubtful that Windows can cope with the pace of change in future technology and our interaction with it.
A virtualised system also gives the benefit of being able to better use old applications that newer operating systems can't run, therefore potentially saving you and employers a mint in upgrades.
So when will be sipping on the fruits of Midori? Well no one is making any promises as it is reported that it is still in an early incubation stage. Being in such a fast-paced changing world though may mean that we will be living in a Window-less society sooner than we think.