Microsoft not so affected by changing PC business

Everyone knows that adaptability is the key to staying relevant in the world of technology, but actually adapting isn’t easy. Take a look at Microsoft- long entrenched in the comfortable, predictable world of PC software and operating systems, their meal ticket has been threatened in recent years as desktop computers have largely been replaced by laptops, which have themselves started to be replaced by tablets and smartphones.

However, while Apple has been the company that profited most early on from the wide adoption of tablets and smartphones as the devices of choice for younger demographics, somehow Microsoft is being predicted by some to eclipse Apple in value in the next few years.

That’s what asset manager Cole Wilcox says. Wilcox believes that Microsoft has done enough to adapt with its own offerings in those spaces, along with diversification into other areas, including business-based cloud software.

What’s more, Microsoft is developing dual-boot devices that can run not only Windows, but Android operating systems, as well. The company is said to be discussing options with Samsung and Huawei to make tablets that fit that bill, and they will likely do the same with Nokia’s future offerings, Wilcox thinks. Microsoft has a purchase pending of Nokia at the time of this article.

While many are less enthusiastic about Microsoft’s future, there are others who share Wilcox’s view. Top hedge fund manager Jeffrey Ubben of ValueAct also believes that Microsoft has a better long-term future ahead of it than Apple does.