Windows 8 Enterprise

Windows 8 Enterprise edition is a version of the new OS devised for enterprise users. Windows 8 Enterprise features include all the capabilities that customers get with Windows 8 Pro plus premium features designed to provide the mobile productivity, security, manageability and virtualization needs of today’s businesses.

Windows To Go is a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable external USB stick. This allows IT organizations to support the “bring your own PC” trend, and businesses can give contingent staff access to the corporate environment without compromising security.

Direct Access allows remote users to seamlessly access resources inside a corporate network without having to launch a separate VPN and helps IT administrators keep remote users’ PCs in compliance by applying the latest policies and software updates. When used with Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 makes Direct Access easier to deploy and implement with the existing IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4, infrastructure.

BranchCache allows users’ PCs to cache files, Websites and other content from central servers, so content is not repeatedly downloaded across the wide area network (WAN). When used with Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 brings several improvements to BranchCache to streamline the deployment process, optimize bandwidth over WAN connections and ensure better security and scalability.

AppLocker can help mitigate issues by restricting the files and apps that users or groups are allowed to run.

Enhancements in Microsoft RemoteFX and Windows Server 2012, provide users with a rich desktop experience with the ability to play 3D graphics, use USB peripherals and use touch-enabled devices across any type of network (LAN or WAN) for VDI scenarios.

Domain joined PCs and tablets running Windows 8 Enterprise are automatically enabled to side-load internal Windows 8 apps.

Mobility In Windows 8 Pro provides new features, such as built-in mobile broadband, Remote Desktop and Offline Files that make it easier for businesses to get connected and stay connected, whether you’re on-site with a customer, waiting for a flight or working from a coffee shop.

Improved security was one of Microsoft’s goals. Windows 8 Pro includes built-in features like Trusted Boot, Windows Defender and Windows SmartScreen to ensure you’re secure, from power-on to power-off. Additionally, Windows 8 Pro now has BitLocker drive encryption, which was previously available only to larger enterprises. BitLocker helps protect business data on PCs with enterprise-grade encryption, and it works silently in the background, helping to keep data safe without getting in the way.

Compatibility Windows 8 Pro is built so it can deploy right alongside existing Windows 7 systems, meaning existing processes and tools for managing and updating systems will keep working the same way. Additionally, Microsoft understands that there are Windows 7 apps that small and midsize businesses have grown to know, and that’s why the company made sure that most of those Windows 7 apps are compatible with Windows 8 Pro.

You can’t talk about Windows 8 Pro without considering the new hardware that’s coming to market with this release. Check out some images of Windows 8 devices here.