“Software as a service” is a phrase often used in the computing world. For many companies, it has become the key to surviving in the short and long term. However, the transition can be quite complicated. If there is someone who knows a thing or two about complications, it's Microsoft. The Redmond giant has formed a new team to develop something called Arcadia, which would aim at distributing software and games via streaming.
One of the many stories from the dark side of computing says that companies have no desire to sell software to the end user, but rather rent it. Taking into account all the intellectual property conflicts that have arisen in recent years, including distributions through file-sharing networks, this story has become much more than a rumor. In fact, there are compelling examples like Adobe, which launched its Creative Cloud in June of last year and faced multiple problems in the process, generating a wave of rejection even among its most loyal users. Microsoft is already doing its part with Office 365, which offers different types of subscriptions, fitting almost every budget. But Redmond's efforts to deliver more software as services online have not ended. Apparently, there is a new project in the works, and its codename is Arcadia.
The Arcadia Project
According to available information, Arcadia would be led by a new team formed within the Operating Systems Group. The technology associated with Arcadia would be a direct replacement for the Rio streaming system that Microsoft demonstrated in September of last year. In simple terms, the idea would be based on using the power of the Azure cloud to perform streaming of games and applications. What kind of games and applications? We’re not sure yet, however, in recent months we have gathered some solid clues, such as the Microsoft DeLorean system, and the theory that it might be possible to deploy Xbox One games through a web browser. In Microsoft’s job postings, experience with other operating systems, specifically iOS and Android, is considered a “plus”. This raises the possibility (albeit remote) that Arcadia could stream iOS and Android apps on Windows devices.
What’s Next?
For now, Microsoft’s fleet is positioning itself around January 21, when a new Windows 10 presentation targeted at general consumers will take place. Until then, anything planned for Arcadia is likely to remain in the background. Some Halo universe fans have pointed out that “Arcadia” is a colony destroyed by the Covenant. Could the project actually be a new multiplayer initiative for Halo? We’ll have to wait a bit to clear up all doubts.
