MICROSOFT HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE LATEST MICROSOFT WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ENTERPRISE SUBSCRIBERS OF MICROSOFT’S ASSURANCE LICENSING PROGRAM FROM AUGUST AND FOR RETAIL CUSTOMERS IN OCTOBER. SO WHAT CHANGES CAN ENTERPRISE CUSTOMERS EXPECT FROM THE UPCOMING WINDOWS 8 OPERATING SYSTEM AND WHAT DO ORGANISATIONS NEED TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN UPGRADING TO THE NEW PLATFORM?
“The upgrade to the new Windows 8 operating system will be both exciting and challenging for many organisations,” commented Kareem Tawansi, CEO of software development provider, Solentive Software.
“Windows 8 is a unified platform across desktops, tablets and smartphones. This move by Microsoft to simplify the user experience is a smart move. Design can sometimes be just as important as functionality when it comes to developing software systems. This is evident in the new Metro interface which will be available on all versions of Windows 8. However, this version of Windows has been geared towards tablet use,” continues Kareem.
“For the enterprise, this will involve preparing for a new paradigm, both in terms of management and supporting company users. The biggest change is the loss of the traditional Start menu, which will be replaced with app tiles, such as what can be currently seen on the Windows Phone and Xbox devices. This interface will allow users to easily flick through apps and uses less memory.
“Perhaps one of the more enticing features of the Windows 8 operating system is its significantly lower cost compared to previous versions of Windows. However, this is by no means a compromise on quality as there will be security advantages for those who manage the infrastructure. Such security advantages include a pre-installed antivirus program, a SmartScreen filter and the new Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot method which will replace the current BIOS boot system. This new booting system will prevent advanced malware and boot loader attacks from causing damage,” concluded Kareem.
The way we have become accustomed to using Windows will be completely rewritten, however this change will create greater efficiency and allow bigger and better things to come.