I think this is existential for Windows, and by extension MSFT. Something like 95% of corporate IT activity is either over http (ie every saas and web app) or is over the serial port (controlling that HVAC, that window blind, that garage lifter)
So what we need in 95% of boxes is not a fully capable PC - we need a really locked down OS. Or rather we can get by with a locked down OS.
I would put good money on there already being a tiny OS from the ground up in MSFT that could be relabelled windows-locked-Down(13) and sold exclusively to large corporates (and maybe small ones who sign a special piece of marketing paper)
The thing is once you do that you are breaking the idea that windows can run everywhere (or rather we claim Linux runs everywhere but the thing that’s on my default unbuntu install and the thing on my router are different
So what we need in 95% of boxes is not a fully capable PC - we need a really locked down OS. Or rather we can get by with a locked down OS.
I would put good money on there already being a tiny OS from the ground up in MSFT that could be relabelled windows-locked-Down(13) and sold exclusively to large corporates (and maybe small ones who sign a special piece of marketing paper)
The thing is once you do that you are breaking the idea that windows can run everywhere (or rather we claim Linux runs everywhere but the thing that’s on my default unbuntu install and the thing on my router are different