The Top 5 PC Business Predictions for 2013

The final months of 2012 have produced some interesting cliffhangers for those running or starting a PC business as we move into 2013.

This article makes some PC business predictions for the coming year. Some are bolder than others.

1. Tablets will be everywhere. With Apple’s iPad Mini and Google’s Nexus 7 at the top of many Christmas lists, tablet PCs are going to be more widespread than ever before in 2013. Not only will clients be sure to ask you to help with configuration and synchronization, you will probably start to see them on every bus and train journey too.

2. Windows 8 will succeed or stumble. It’s a little too early to say how successful Windows 8 will be. Obviously many people buying new computers will find themselves using it, but it will take some time for their opinions to filter through. Reviews have certainly been mixed, especially when it comes to business use. It’s fair to expect many companies to stop at Windows 7.
   
   

3. The “smartphone wars” will continue. At the time of writing, Windows-based smartphones are being aggressively advertised. Meanwhile, Apple’s iOS operating system is beginning to look a little tired and uninspired. So 2013 is likely to produce a change in smartphone market share, perhaps with Windows gaining some ground on Apple and Android.

4. The cloud backlash will begin. The move towards cloud services has been unstoppable in recent years, yet all it will take is a security breach, a loss of data, or a serious downtime event to frighten plenty of businesses back to locally hosted platforms. This article therefore makes the bold prediction that 2013 will be the year this happens.

5. Apple will gain more market share. The recent release of a beautiful new iMac and a new range of MacBooks will probably send plenty of Windows users, concerned about Windows 8, running in Apple’s direction. Expect the next market-share figures to show more movement towards Mac and OS X.

What do you think will happen in the PC business world during 2013? Share your thoughts in the Comments box below. 

And to follow-through on the tips introduced in this short article, be sure to download your free copy of the special report on How to Start a Computer Consulting Business: 6 Proven Ways to Build Your Initial Client Base. 

Creative Commons Image Source: flickr quinn.anya