ARM Compatibility Is Big New Factor

 

5. Expect better security

Microsoft has already drawn a line in the sand, saying that its next operating system version will come with improved security over its predecessor. In fact, according to eWEEK's Nicholas Kolakowski, a Microsoft executive last week showed off those features. The executive plugged a USB device containing a rootkit virus into a Windows 8 PC, Kolakowski reported. Windows 8 stopped the rootkit from booting up, thus protecting the system. If Microsoft can make good on its promise to make Windows 8 more secure, the enterprise will jump at the chance to deploy it.

6. Companies have time to plan

Unlike Apple, which likes to launch products close to their announcements, Microsoft understands that the corporate world needs time to plan. That's why the software giant has been talking about Windows 8 for quite some time and why it will continue to make it a top priority in the coming months. Windows 8 won't launch until next year. By then, the corporate world will have more than enough time to decide whether or not the new OS is right for their organizations.

7. It's still Windows, after all

Although some critics say that Windows 8 won't appeal to the enterprise, such an opinion seems rather shortsighted. The fact of the matter is Windows has always been a corporate favorite and that won't change with Microsoft's next operating system. Windows Vista wasn't all that popular, but a large number of companies still deployed it. Considering that Windows 8 looks to be much better than Vista, what makes anyone think that it won't have even stronger adoption?

8. ARM compatibility is huge

Much has been made about the partnership Microsoft inked with ARM, and for good reason. That deal, which will see ARM-based chips run Windows, will benefit both consumers and enterprise users. When ARM-based devices running Windows hit store shelves, they will likely be tablets. But over time, ARM processors might emerge for a wider range of PC models, which could drastically alter buying decisions across the enterprise. All the while, Intel will be forced to be more competitive, which could bring down PC prices. At this point, it appears ARM will spawn major changes in the marketplace, including lower prices, and the enterprise might just benefit heavily.

9. There will be no loss in productivity

Productivity means everything in the enterprise. If it falls, companies make less money. If it rises, they make more. With each new version of Windows, IT staffs need to consider how the operating system might affect productivity. This time around, the OS will come with a different look and some design quirks that might surprise users at first. But over time, it won't be a problem. Windows 8 will not be a drain on productivity, and it's important that all enterprise users understand that.

10. Remember the apps

An application marketplace has proved to be one of the most important aspects of Apple's business over the last few years. In 2008, it launched its mobile app store, and earlier this year, it brought the Mac App Store to Mac OS X "Snow Leopard" and then Mac OS X "Lion." Microsoft will respond with an app store of its own with Windows 8, called Windows Store. That marketplace's ease of use and expected major support from developers are integral components in Windows 8's appeal to consumers and enterprise users alike.

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