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:
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.
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David Baumann (Monday, 03 June 2013 15:14)
We completely agree -- we love SharePoint 2013 and are very happy to invest our time, attention and resources in this wonderful platform. We're getting great results, and our clients love it.