RT is dead (not), long live RT

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By Ron Grattopp ronaldg-001_thumb2_thumb_thumb1_thum….I suspect many of you follow the trade rags as I do, and if you have then I’m betting you’ve seen the bandwagon some have jumped on how Windows RT is doomed. Well, I recently ran across this article from long-time technology writer David Chernicoff, OMG! They're using Windows RT! – love the title :).

As we (Microsoft) continue to evolve into a devices and services company, it’s important for us, and our partners, to understand how Windows devices can be differentiated and I thought the insight that David relates in his post about his college-bound son’s actually choosing a Windows RT over over options would be good to share with you. Hopefully you’ll find it useful for your device customer conversations especially given the credibility factor of someone like David.

For those of you who have a preference for Cliff’s Notes versions, here’s the highlights:
- son in college, previously used iPhone and Galaxy devices, but needed a device/PC that could handle PowerPoint, Word, and note taking (not too different from a business use case, eh)
- iPad (and Android) “didn’t lend themselves to laptop note taking” and using Citrix client (presumably for access to Office apps) meant needed to have access to school network (which was a limiting factor)
- Surface Pro too expensive (for student use), so they evaluated RT at a local store – student pulled out a USB drive with schoolwork (Office data) and was able to get all work done, thanks to USB and built-in Office 2013 apps.
- integrated keyboard, USB, built-in Office 2013, storage options (internal, external, and cloud), mainstream apps (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, texting, etc), and a new price point made for a great fit.

Of course the downside to RT is that you can’t run legacy apps on it (which makes it no different in that respect from any Apple or Android device), but with Office RT built-in and the ability to connect peripherals, better security (incl mobile device management), business mobility features, Workplace Join, and many more differentiating features and functionality I believe it’s got plenty of potential to compete in any BYOD scenario, so long live RT!

Cheers,
Ron