Oracle, notably, is finally selling its Fusion line of software that promises to be the best of the old stuff with the ease-of-use of the new.

FORBES: What Workday's IPO Success Says About Software

Despite the best efforts of software developers to replace email as a way to collaborate, its benefits ease of use and widespread adoption continue to outweigh its costs and risks including vulnerability to spam and viruses, clunky search capabilities, and legal risk.

FORBES: Mimecast Debugs Email

It will use software written just for the purpose to ease the transfer of e-mail addresses, datebook appointments and stored messages.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Users are willing to sacrifice traditional Web functionality and software customization in exchange for a mobile device's ease of use, barebones presentation of relevant information and speed.

FORBES: Why Mobile's Cloud-y Future Means Sunny Days For Amazon

He concedes that "Wintel" machines have similar suites of software, but points out that Apple is the leader in ease of use.

FORBES: Apple's New Core

It also involved the first use of new Advanced Tomahawk Weapon Control System software, which is designed to ease joint missions involving Royal Navy and US Navy vessels.

BBC: cruise launch as seen through HMS Trafalgar's periscope

Today, consumers, accustomed to the ease of use, want more flexibility. (Take note Apple: a software upgrade that allowed users to change their screen display, such as adding a big round clock or introducing tiles, would create a real buzz.) Ironically, because Apple was instrumental in a big part of the proliferation of technology for the consumer, consumers, in a way, have outgrown Apple.

FORBES: Was Apple 'MySpaced'? Is Google Next?