Microsoft may need Windows 8 sooner than later

Microsoft® is banking heavily on the success of the upcoming Windows® 8 to establish its position in the burgeoning tablet computer market. But according to one analyst, the software giant may need to stake its claim quickly if it hopes to make a real dent.

Writing for Forbes, a contributor from the research group Trefis notes that Microsoft has a steep climb ahead of it, as enthusiasm for Windows 8 is already showing signs of waning. Citing figures from Forrester Research, the writer states that the number of users wanting a Windows-based tablet totaled just 25 percent in the third quarter of 2011.

This may indicate that the sooner Microsoft can get its software onto tablet computers, the better shot it will have competing with Apple®, Google and others. As of now, Microsoft is planning to release the software in mid-2012, though the contributor notes that this could be pushed back several months.

Research firm Gartner estimates that Apple's tablet market share will dip to 50 percent by 2015. Though the market is likely to remain highly competitive, this drop may be an opportunity for Microsoft to make up for lost time.