'Real test' for Windows 10 is in commercial space - Context

Windows 10 will be as popular as Windows 7, analyst claims

Windows 10 is set for a much more successful first few months than its predecessor Windows 8, according to Context, but it warned the business space would be "the real test" for Microsoft.

The analyst said the channel is on the edge of its seat waiting for Windows 10 and is almost in "standby" mode ahead of the launch at the end of this month.

Windows 10 will signal the end of big one-off OS launches for Microsoft, which will instead offer regular updates over a shorter period of time.

Context founder Jeremy Davies said this is a "sea change" for Microsoft but warned that how keen businesses are to snap up the new OS will be an important measure of success.

"In terms of retail, everyone knows [Windows 10] will just happen because it has to," he said. "Anything that gets sold in retail over the next few months will be Windows 10. Anything that is not Windows 10 - or upgradable to Windows 10 - will be ancient stock they are trying to get rid of.

"But then the real test will be can they get it out there quick enough in the business area - that is the real key."

Research from Spiceworks last week showed that Windows 10 will become more popular than Windows 7 within its first two years. Davies agreed that Windows 10 will be popular but cautioned that customers' recent transition from Windows XP might put them off yet another upgrade.

But when asked if Windows 10's launch will be more successful than Windows 8, he said: "Cor blimey, yes!"

He added: "Anything is better than Windows 8, isn't it? I think that is fair to say. Nobody wanted [Windows] 8 - it didn't happen. People were selling [Windows] 8 in the business area which was downgradable to Windows 7."