Are We Really Ready for 64-Bit?

In a recent study, the Windows 64-bot operating system has gained significant ground with the gaming community. According to exo.blog, the era of the 64-bit Windows desktop has arrived. According to exo.repository the Post-Vista shows that one out of every two computers is now running 64-bit or 50%. Currently Windows 7 x86 (32-bit) version has about 18.03% of the windows market share, while the x64 (64-bit) version has 9.44% of the market share. Even though the 64-bit version is gaining ground in the IT world, there seem to be some challenges or hindrances that are occurring that will limit the use of the 64-bit Operating Structure.

I think that there are three major factors that will hinder the newer 64-bit Windows 7 operating system from being the top OS for at least a couple of more years. The issue is that there are a number of people that have older x86 (32-bit) systems that are not looking to spend more money on a new computer. Second, people are still committed to their older programs, obsessively hanging onto them and wanting to keep them alive forever. Third, until all new hardware is 64-bit, people will surrender to the lower priced items, in this case 32-bit systems.

From what I have been reading and in talking to my clients I am finding that a large number of people have spent money the last couple of years on the older 32-bit (x86) computer systems. Staying with the older 32-bit (x86) architecture is mostly due to software compatibility. They did not want to hassle with the prospects of their software not working properly, or in trying to find a 64-bit driver for things like printers, scanners, and other peripheral devices. I do not blame them, as I would not want to have to try to track these things down myself. Nor would I want to go out and buy all new programs that will work on the new 64-bit Operating Systems. Even with the emergence of Windows 7 that comes with XP mode, people are wary. We are all hearing about this application not running properly, etc. that for home users the price to switch has a certain cost, but for an office environment where custom software is often created and relied upon this is a larger issue that will keep many businesses from making the switch.

As I hinted upon above, people are just hanging onto their old programs. I even have one client that refuses to move away from an application that we designed for Windows 98. Now that is an old program. He likes it, and the way that it works and refuses to give it up. At this point, I do not think that it is a cost avoidance issue, but rather the software in question offers specific features not found in newer software. The original company that designed this software is also out of businesses, so no new releases coming from them. Other people are claiming the same that they just do not want to reinvest more money at this stage for 64-bit software. We all know that at some point we will all be forced into this 64-bit world, but due to the fact that we all have a monetary investment in the x86 (32-bit) world, a lot of us are not migrating quickly.

Furthermore, as long as manufactures continue to produce 32-bit (x86) machines, we will buy them. This is one of the problems with the latest netbooks, most if not all are based off of the 32-bit structure. Because these units are inexpensive, the public has been purchasing them at an increasing rate, thus producing another 3 to 4 year life cycle for 32-bit software and out dependence of 32-bit items. If all the manufactures stopped supplying x86 items, we would all be forced to move to 64-bit systems, and operating systems.

Another difficulty is that we have been familiar with the x86 environment going on 20+ years. Therefore, we have a knowledge and understanding of the operating systems and programs. Just walk into a computer store and think about all the applications that to run properly would need to be updated to 64-bit mode. Yes, a lot of them will work on the 64-bit systems, but to truly harness the power of 64-bits and the faster memory, etc. One needs to be running software made for the 64-bit system.