Just like everyone else, developers are beginning to hop onto the Windows 7 bandwagon. This latest information comes from Embarcadero Technologies, who are a database and developer tools vendor.

In a survey they conducted in May, with just over 600 respondents, they found that 54% of developers were working on new applications for Windows 7. Another 25% said they were planning to develop applications for the latest operating system within the next year. Then there was that 10 %, who just refuse to accept that Windows 7 is the way forward, and have no plans to build any apps for Windows 7.

However, more than 15% of the respondents said they were waiting until it was more worth their while. Why are they waiting? They want more organizations to adopt Windows 7 before they go developing apps for it. The only problem is, organizations are waiting for more developers to build apps before they update to Windows 7. It’s kind of a vicious circle and we really need developers to lead the way forward.

Also discovered in the survey, is that developers are intrigued by the new Windows 7 capabilities such as multi-touch and it’s enhanced graphics.

The popularity of devices like the iPhone and iPad have helped drive mainstream acceptance of touch-based technologies. This popularity transcends into the developer community, and I doubt we’ll see it abate anytime soon

said Michael Rozlog, product manager for Delphi Solutions at Embarcadero, in a statement released by the company.

However it’s not all plain sailing when building for Windows 7. 34% of respondents said the biggest challenge is supporting users on older versions of Windows, as well as Windows 7. Another 10% said the hardest part was learning something new for developing new apps.

Most developers are also planning on building Windows 7 desktop apps first, with database applications second in the list, followed by utilities and tools. Small business apps are also holding priority over enterprise applications.

Source:

Networkworld