No, consumers are not tech debt to Microsoft.

Yes, Microsoft is shifting away from consumer technology.

The difference is Microsoft is squeezing every last drop of profit from consumers on their way out. That’s not debt, that’s an asset.

In 25 years Microsoft will be similar to Oracle. Maybe they’ll have investments in some consumer brands, but largely they will be selling to enterprises and governments.

▲

llbbdd an hour ago | parent [-]

I'm young, I'll take that bet. In 25 years windows will still have greater than 50% consumer computer marketshare out of sheer momentum.

▲

Nextgrid an hour ago | parent | next [-]

I'd be very surprised if "consumer computer" will be anything but a niche thing in 25 years.

	▲	pezezin 2 minutes ago \| parent \| next [-]
		I have been hearing the same for the last 20 years, if not longer, and yet the consumer computer remains strong.
	▲	llbbdd 35 minutes ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		It might be just a remote UI over "Windows Cloud Eternal" at that point but if by then we've moved to "Apple Forever OS" or "The Eternal Year of the Linux Desktop" I'll make a balanced diet out of hats

▲

mekoka 21 minutes ago | parent | prev [-]

If the last 15 years are any indication, in less than 15 years, Microsoft will make Azure Linux their main OS and they'll skin the desktop edition to resurrect Lindows. It'll take a 2-5 years campaign to move most of the remaining Windows user base to it. Oh and also, it'll probably be free.