Is SharePoint 2010 the New Windows XP? Should we wait for SharePoint Blue?

I've read this interesting blog post about the possible future of Microsoft SharePoint today. It exposes some reasons, why organizations often do stay with old software versions - in case they are well done. 

Microsoft SharePoint 2013 seems to offers a lot of new stuff. But will customers (and vendors) take care about? Will they follow Microsoft?

Of corse, SharePoint 2013 is not the same as Windows 8, but there are some similar problems: Removing the SharePoint application platform - as we know it - seems to be the same as removing the start button from Windows 8. Hiding the desktop mode of Windows 8 seems to be similar to offering Yammer as a replacement of the great SharePoint built-in social networking and knowledge management features.

Users (and vendors) feel a little bit lost.

In case of Windows 8 Microsoft has announced a repair: Windows 8.1 "Blue" will have the start button back and users can boot directly to desktop mode again. Will there be a SharePoint Blue? I think it will need some more time to finalize all the new ideas offered with SharePoint 2013.

If I could make some wishes, what would come next:

• A valid replacement of the old SharePoint application platform that could run in the cloud, but also completely on-premise. It should offer all the general services you need to write powerful business apps, like typed storage, transactions, workflows, notifications, classification, relationship, integration etc. and not an IFrame only to put all this in.
• More powerful lists. The SharePoint storage architecture causes some limitations, compared to databases. Why not storing SharePoint lists in Azure-like tables - but also available on-premise.
• More powerful document libraries with built-in replication features. SkyDrive is a good starting point, but with too many restrictions today compared to file systems (file names, path length, file types, file size, metadata, overal size of library etc.). What about moving to Azure Blob Storage, but again - also available on-premise.
• Build-in social networking and knowledge management features for all items like documents, sites, users etc., e.g. like Yammer - but on a more general level, to give classification, context and content relationship to any business content.

Azure is mentioned several times above, intentionally. Will the next SharePoint version be completely based on Azure? Available in the cloud only? Or via the Windows Azure Pack on top of Windows Servers as well in our own data centers? A thrilling view into the crystal ball about a possible future of SharePoint...

But to go back where we started: Does it make sense to stick with Windows XP and wait for Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 to come? Should we wait for a SharePoint Blue? I don't think so. SharePoint 2013 is "Blue" already ... not only in terms of color yet.