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10 Things CIOs Need to Know About Windows 8

By Don Reisinger on 2011-09-29


In the world of computing, Windows is the most important operating system out there. Companies all around the world rely on Microsoft’s platform to get work done, manage their businesses, and more. So, when Microsoft showcases a new version of Windows, you can bet that CIOs around the globe turn their attention to the software giant to see what it has planned for the future of its operating system. This time around, that means focusing on Windows 8. Microsoft revealed a developer preview of Windows Server 8 at its BUILD conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 15 The operating system, which is scheduled to launch in 2012, will deliver some of the company's most radical changes in user interface in a long time. What’s more, the operating system will be the first option from Microsoft that focuses heavily on tablets. So, while Windows 8 will be suitable for desktops and laptops, it will also be making its way to a growing number of slates starting next year. Here are 10 things you need to know as you consider how to plan for Windows 8 in the enterprise.

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Tablets Are A Go
Over the last year, Microsoft has been panned by those who say the company hasn’t done enough to bring Windows to tablets. Windows 8 is much different, thanks to its improved multi-touch features and ARM chip support. Expect to find Windows 8 on a host of tablets next year.

Consumers Will Like It
Most industry analysts expect Windows 8 to be a wildly popular option for consumers around the globe. In fact, some say that the company could sell hundreds of millions of licenses before it moves on to Windows 9. Not bad.

Employees Might Not Feel At Home
Windows 8 brings a host of design changes to the enterprise that might scare some employees. For example, the OS will rely heavily upon Microsoft’s “tiles” idea. Microsoft is hedging its bets, though: Unhappy users will be able to revert back to the old interface.

Security Improvements?
Microsoft says that Windows 8 will deliver improved security over Windows 7. Of course, that doesn’t mean your network will be totally secure -- far from it -- but you should be able to rest a bit easier with Windows 8 running in your office.

It’s Launching Next Year
Microsoft hasn’t pegged an exact release date yet, but now is the time to start mapping out your plans for Windows 8.

The Better-Than-Windows-7 Pitch?
Of course, Microsoft has yet to make a clear case for why the enterprise should ditch Windows 7. As Microsoft releases more details in the coming months, your decision will be easier.

Apps Galore
After Apple launched its Mac App Store for Mac OS X, it became clear that Microsoft would have to respond. Windows 8 will have its own apps marketplace, which will make adding apps much easier than in the past. On the downside, employees might be able to download apps themselves that aren't work-related.

Pricing Might Improve
With ARM processors supported in Windows 8, getting a new PC might be cheaper. ARM is gunning for Intel's component market share, which could mean a price war on the supplier side. In the process, PC vendors might pass on the savings to customers like you.

PC Vendor Support
PC vendors initially said they supported the ill-fated Windows Vista operating system. As critics took aim at Vista, vendors offered “downgrade rights” to customers, allowing them to run Windows XP instead. So far, PC vendors, including HP and Dell, have lined up behind Windows 8. But as Vista proved, who really knows what the future holds?

The Interface
As history has shown, Microsoft doesn’t like to drastically change up its Windows user interface all that often. Every major change makes it hard for users to adapt to the OS, which potentially puts Microsoft at risk. Expect the new user interface to be around for quite awhile.

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