In 2013, Windows machines will no longer be the default choice of the IT department

Source: http://goo.gl/K8OpW

During 2012, increasing numbers of organisations adopted "bring your own device” strategies or provided staff with company-owned iPads, Android tablets and Chromebooks as they moved applications into the cloud. Throughout 2013, companies will gain a clearer picture of the benefits of using these various devices in a world where employees only need a browser and an internet connection to be able to work. Portability, improved battery life, more intuitive touchscreen interfaces, limited or and fast boot-up are just a few of the advantages these devices offer over Windows-based laptops.

As reported in TechWeek Europe earlier this month, Google's Chromebook topped the list of the best selling laptops on Amazone store in the US, and was second best selling laptop on the UK site over the holiday period.

According to the information available on the Amazon website, the latest model of the ultraportable device, made by Samsung and retailing for £229 ($325), was more popular in America than any Windows 8 or Mac OS alternatives.

In the UK, it came second after the mid-market Acer Aspire E1 (£330), which runs Windows 8 but doesn’t feature a touchscreen.

The net result is that, as the move to cloud computing and consumerisation continues, corporate IT departments will no longer automatically refresh ageing user technology with the latest generation of Windows PCs. Instead, they'll evaluate numerous platforms to see which best fits their needs. Though Microsoft's Surface may be on that shortlist in 2013, we expect it to continue to struggle as a result of being late to market and priced too high, and that it will ultimately lose out to Android, iOS and Chrome devices.