Windows XP Rules Global OS Market

Slowly but steadily, XP overthrows 98.

Windows XP has attained operating system dominance, according to WebSideStory’s StatMarket, capturing nearly 35 percent of the worldwide Internet user population.

Users have been slow catching on to the operating system. It took 18 months since its October 2001 launch to achieve one-third of the market share, while Windows 98 reached the same benchmark in January 1999, only six months after it was released.

“Windows XP’s slower adoption rate on the Web may reflect a downshift in consumer’s willingness to upgrade operating systems since the launch of Windows 98,” said Geoff Johnston, vice president of product marketing for HitBox StatMarket. “There are many people who are probably completely satisfied with Windows 98. Others may want to upgrade, but don’t want to spend the money.”

Microsoft OS Global Web Usage Share as of May 7, 2003
Windows XP 34.73%
Windows 98 24.93%
Source: StatMarket

Further underscoring Windows’ dominance are findings from OneStat.com. The company reported in September 2002 that Windows accounts for 97.46 percent of the global operating system market. The second most popular operating system, Apple’s Macintosh, trails dismally at 1.43 percent, followed by Linux with 0.26 percent.

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

2y

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource
Announcement Alert from Lee Arthur
Weekly briefing | Digital Transformation

Announcement Alert from Lee Arthur

2y

Announcement Alert from Lee Arthur

Announcement Alert!! Read More

View resource
The 2023 B2B Superpowers Index
Whitepaper | Digital Transformation

The 2023 B2B Superpowers Index

3y

The 2023 B2B Superpowers Index

The Merkle B2B 2023 Superpowers Index outlines what drives competitive advantage within the business culture and subcultures that are critical to succ...

View resource
Impact of SEO and Content Marketing
Whitepaper | Digital Transformation

Impact of SEO and Content Marketing

3y

Impact of SEO and Content Marketing

Making forecasts and predictions in such a rapidly changing marketing ecosystem is a challenge. Yet, as concerns grow around a looming recession and b...

View resource