Why Windows 8?

Windows 8 has received popularity as the need arises for networkable devices that can use all the applications and office suites that vendors and organisations have developed over the years.

The question still remains – ”What justifies migrating your business completely to Windows 8?”

As Windows XP support is expected to cease on 8 April 2014, that inevitable problem of upgrading your OS is now within one year and getting closer. Hence, moving to Windows 7 seems to be the mature and popular option.

Nevertheless, one often overlook the fact that Windows 8 is conceived with the aim of taking the features that we love about Windows 7 and improving them further.

Windows 7 is fast and secure. Windows 8 is now faster and backed up with more security features. Windows 8 starts up more readily, switches between apps more seamlessly, and uses power more efficiently than Windows 7. What's more, programs that run on Windows 7 will run without hiccups on Windows 8.

Key Performance Features of the Windows 8 include:

• BranchCache allows client computers that are running Windows 8 to download content from a file server or web server that is running Windows Server 2012.
• New Data Deduplication technology negates the need for BranchCache to spend CPU cycles calculating divisions of the contents as the file server and web server have already made these calculations.
• BranchCache can also save storage and WAN bandwidth by storing one instance of the content, which can be downloaded by any client computers at every office locations.
• BitLocker Drive is part of Windows 8 and can be set to encrypt your hard disks
• AppLocker prevents users from installing and using unauthorised applications security policy or compliance requirements in your organization
• Improved experience for your Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) – the VDI link is now an application that integrates with Windows 8, with increased focus on the end user experience, which accounts to improved overall speed, performance and productivity.
• The Windows Store provides a secure platform for Microsoft tested applications – it provides a suite of free applications that can be introduced to your business to improve productivity.
• Windows 8 now stores the Product Key internally in the BIOS instead of externally, making the device a more secure investment

In short, Windows 8 is the real start of the building of a Microsoft integrated eco system within your business. It is focused on working with your other Microsoft applications at a higher level and harnessing the cloud where it can. For instance, Office Web Apps lets you create and share online Word documents, Excel workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, and OneNote notebooks in your web browser. Everyone within your business will be able to open these docs in their browser too, but Instead of emailing an attachment, you can send a link pointing to the online document. 

The challenge for Microsoft with Windows 8 has always been the fact that the interface is markedly different to its predecessors, as it is optimally designed to work seamlessly with your touch devices (notebooks, tablets, smartphones), mouse and keyboard.

However, we find that businesses which have implemented Windows 8 and happy with it are those that operate in industries that are productivity and security driven. Businesses focused on sales and finance are looking for a device that searches faster, starts up quicker and shuts down quicker. Windows 8 does just that, which ultimately improves the productivity of your devices.

If you believe your business is looking for a move towards achieving that extra edge and increased productivity Windows 8 can offer, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or licenses to test out in your environment.