Apple Inc. (AAPL), Google Inc (GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Microsoft 2.0

On top of Apple and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) outpacing Microsoft, PC sales are on the decline as tablets take over — and unfortunately, Microsoft tablets aren’t the ones consumers want. They are arguably more interested in buying tech than they ever have been, but they’re not buying Microsoft.

A new leader can change this.

To be fair, Microsoft does very well with its enterprise business. BGR mentioned last month that company is expected to make $1.5 billion from its Office 365 subscriptions this year and 88% of its Office revenue comes from business. But as important and the company’s enterprise side is, Microsoft cannot ignore the fact that it is a consumer business as well.

It’s future will be built on how consumers view and respond to its products. Consumers have an array of tablets, operating systems, mobile devices, programs, apps, and services at their fingertips everyday, and new ones emerge faster than anyone can keep up. This is the tech world the new Microsoft needs to embrace. The company is no longer the only software king, as small companies with useful apps own that title. It’s not a device stalwart either; Apple and Samsung have earned that position. It’s not a mobile giant — Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is the reigning champion.

But what Microsoft can do now is find a leader that will make consumers stand in line for its devices and swoon over its software. And no, it’s not an impossible task. Apple, Samsung and Google are doing it. Consumers are fickle and their preferences change. It’s up to Microsoft’s new leader to be able to anticipate that. The only other option is for Microsoft to continue marching to the same beat, haphazardly introducing new tech that stirs little desire in consumers’ heart. It’s the old tune of irrelevance — and it’s a dangerous one for any tech company to listen to.

The article Microsoft’s Window of Opportunity Is Here originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Chris Neiger.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Facebook, and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. 

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