Windows8

It is an interesting Sunday.  Yep. My home desktop is migrated to Windows8 OS. Cool stuff. As the end user, Top 3 remarkable points are:

1. Metro UI style
The Metro environment will feature a new tile-based Start screen similar to that of the Windows Phone operating system. Each tile will represent an application, and will be able to display relevant information such as the number of unread messages on the tile for an e-mail app or the current temperature on a weather application. Metro-style applications run in full-screen, and are able to share information between each other using "contracts" 

2. Jet speed startup and shutdown
Felt like a sub second response during Windows 8 start up and shut down process.  It is kind of thrilling experience for earlier Windows version users.  Isn't it cool?

3. App Store model
Windows Store is an upcoming digital distribution platform developed by Microsoft Corporation as part of Windows 8 for Metro style applications. The Windows Store will also allow developers to advertise their desktop applications. It will support both free and paid applications, with the paid applications ranging from $1.49 to $999.99. Developers will also be able to offer free trials. The Windows Store was made available concurrently with the release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview which was released on February 29, 201.

Yet to explore as the developer; Just downloaded its SDK and installed VS2012 Express RC for Windows8.. Letz see!!!

Surface

Surface is a planned series of tablet computers designed and marketed by Microsoft. The Surface will be available in two versions, "Surface" or "Surface Pro". The product was announced by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at a Los Angeles event on June 18, 2012, at Milk Studio.

There are five things which are better in Surface on comparision with iPad.

1. Touch Keyboard Cover
Typing on tablet computers can be a struggle for those accustomed to PC's physical keyboards. Microsoft Surface offers a solution with a lightweight keyboard attachment that clicks into place and doubles as a cover for the device.

2. Integrated Kickstand
Microsoft is keen on packing convenience into its new devices. Each Surface comes with a built-in kickstand that pops out from the back panel and props the device at an angle, letting the user enjoy media or type comfortably on a flat surface.

3. Digital Ink And Stylus
Microsoft designed the Windows 8 Pro version of the Surface tablet to accept stylus input. The company's demonstration of how the digital ink works gave the impression that writing, highlighting and underlining on the tablet is easy

4. USB Ports
Plenty of people weren't happy when the iPad launched without USB ports back in 2010. Microsoft seems to have taken that to heart. The width of the Surface offers just enough space for a traditional USB.

5. Options For Casual And Power Users
Microsoft can be used either as tablet for casual users or laptop for power users.

Web vs Mobile Apps

Microsoft, Apple and Google first shared the digital marketplace in 1998.  Since that year,their history has featured one battle after another for dominance and the top position in specific market segments, notably search engines, digital music, smartphones and tablets.

In 1998, Microsoft had the upper hand in the software market. This was due to founder Bill Gates’s specialized technical skills and personality. Apple founder Steve Jobs focused on users’ experience with his organization’s devices. Jobs was aiming to produce the best machines in a limited number of categories rather than emulating Microsoft’s wide reach. Google, which famously derives its name from misspelling a math term denoting an enormous sum, began when founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin explored the need for a search engine that would help users categorize and navigate the growing number of Internet resources.

Next war/revolution will be "Handheld" smartphone - designed to “act like a handheld computer.”  Attached is the industry data on web vs mobile applications development during 2010-2011. It clearly indicates the growth rate on mobile apps than web.

EnterpriseArchitecture

Enterprise is any collection of organizations that has a common set of goals.  The purpose of enterprise architecture is to optimize across the enterprise the often fragmented legacy of processes into an integrated environment that is responsive to change and supportive of the delivery of the business strategy.

In simple terms, an enterprise architecture addresses this need, by providing a strategic context for the evolution of the IT system in response to the constantly changing needs of the business environment.

If you have a good enterprise architecture, it can bring important business benefits as listed below:

• More efficient IT operation
• Better return on existing investment, reduced risk for future investment.
• Faster, simpler and cheaper procurement.

An architecture framework is a tool that can be used for developing a broad range of architectures.  It contains a list of recommended standards and compliant products that can be used to implement the building blocks of the firm's architecture.

As per Simon Townson, the benefits of enterprise architecture derive from the better planning, earlier visibility, and an more informed designs that result when it is introduced