If we get a 50/50 split between x86 and ARM in the Windows 8 space, I expect a lot of software being developed targeting not native ISAs, but the CLR. Considering that, I wonder what would be Microsoft's strategy to prevent this "software bonanza" from benefiting the Mono crowd. Being able to seamlessly running Windows software on non-Windows OSs could be a major blow to Microsoft's Windows division.
> Considering that, I wonder what would be Microsoft's strategy to prevent this "software bonanza" from benefiting the Mono crowd.
If I were Microsoft, I'd consider this a good thing. this just means more software that's capable of running on windows, which leads to more windows license sales.
What I said is that, confronted with the choice between having separate x86 and ARM ports for Windows 8, developers may very well just target .NET and forget about the native platform.
As for why running Mono when Windows 8 is available? I am no Mono enthusiast but I run Linux on a notebook that came with Windows 7 installed. I do so because I feel Linux is a better environment for the work I do.
With Chrome OS, Android, and iOS assaulting the Windows desktop monopoly, it's probably a foregone conclusion that "Post-PC" is going to hurt for Microsoft. If Microsoft doesn't do well with Win8 on tablets, it will get ugly.
Two magic words: "expectation management". They need to get the messaging and branding right clearly differentiating between x86-only software & ARM-compatible software or they'll face a nasty backlash.
