Notorious big boy Microsoft just had to be  present at Cebit this year, though they showed off most of their Office 365 and business software it was clear the focus was Windows 8. If we have to believe the MS preachers during the non-stop presentations, then Windows 8 should be more wipe friendly than toilet paper. The question is: will Microsoft hit a winner by trying to breed this hybrid swipe/business OS. It’s clear they were  inspired by Linux, Google’s Android and Apple; but personally I think MS is trying to please too many market segments at once, this could be either a huge success OR a big gamble. MS calls it a more efficient Windows 7 with advanced tablet capabilities, let’s see what the future will bring.

Apple sticks to OSX for productivity/business and develops IOS for all things involving phone & tablet rubbing. Google keeps perfecting their Android tablet/phone OS and (see IBM booth at Cebit) Linux including the other open source software are gaining a lot of popularity in the small scale enterprise segment.

Windows 7, only better

Behind the bold, new look of Windows 8, is the rock-solid foundation you’ve come to expect from Windows® 7. Immerse yourself in the exciting features of a new generation of PCs while enjoying the full power of Windows. In addition to the sleek, new look of the Start screen, Windows 8 incorporates the desktop that you’re already familiar with. In the desktop, you’ll see that the settings, devices, and features you used in Windows 7 are still there. You can run older apps, too.

And just like Windows 7, security and reliability is built into Windows 8. Everything that was great about Windows 7, we made even better.

Beautiful design

Windows 8 has a bold new style that’s sleek and modern, and it’s been beautifully designed. From the clean look of the words on your screen to the way apps animate, the experience is new and the way it works is intuitive, so you can get started right away.

The new Start screen

The new Start screen has all of the information you care about in one place, such as your contacts, the weather, and the next appointment on your calendar. Windows 8 is truly yours: websites, playlists, photo albums, contacts, and your favorite apps are front and center. Because you decide how to organize and group things on the screen, viewing and interacting with content is faster than ever.

The tiles on your Start screen are brimming with content, and they change and update in real time so you can see what’s going on and stay on top of things. You can share and connect with other people in a couple of clicks, and get real-time updates about things like news, sports, and what your friends are up to. Check your schedule or get the latest weather forecast—all without searching for information. Tiles are a quick way to see it all. Launch apps, switch between tasks, and check notifications without digging for information. It’s all right here on the Start screen.

Windows 8 also incorporates the PC desktop that you’re already familiar with. In the desktop, you’ll see that the settings and features you used in Windows 7 are still there.