Windows 8 Competing Against Google First, Then Apple

Windows used to be accused, and sometimes still is, of being monopolistic

A year from now Microsoft will either be a significant mobile and tablet player due to Windows 8 or it will be losing market share. And the outcome may boil down to Microsoft's relationship with hardware partners.

That's a takeaway from Gartner analyst David Cearley. His top 10 strategic technology trendsincluded a hefty dose of Windows 8 cast in a mobile context.