But what made XP excel?
And what has Microsoft learned in the two decades since its release?
XP also came at a time when more people than ever were buying their first personal computer.
These personal and business computers arrived with a full suite of Microsoft softwarepre-installedand ready to use.
As a result, the Windows operating system defined many peoples computing experience.
XP also featuredseveral innovationsincluding the introduction of the Microsoft Error Reporting platform.
This was further evidence of changing attitudes at Microsoft; the company was centred on prioritising users.
But it didnt last.
It was consideredan inferior, bloated and unusable systemby many commentators, includingTime magazine.
Windows 7 followed Vista in 2009, confronting users with massive changes.
It initially forced users on computers with a keyboard and mouse into a tablet-style interaction on the home screen.
The familiar icons and desktop format vanished.
It seemed Microsoft no longer had users wishes as its priority.
It wasnt until the release of Windows 8 in 2012 that the company returned to its user-first paradigm.
The Windows XP tablet was based on a cut-down operating system and a completely different family of processors.
It was also incompatible with existing software offerings.
A similar storyunfolded in the mobile phone space.
Although Windows phones are still available, Microsoft changed lanes in 2014.
Nadella outlined a desire to create aWindows NT for the internet.
Azure represents a return to Microsoft providing computing that serves the needs of businesses and people.
