A Closer Look at Windows 8 Enterprise

In addition to three Windows 8 editions that Microsoft will offer to people all around the world, namely Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT, there will be a special flavor of the upcoming OS, aimed specifically at corporate users, namely Windows 8 Enterprise. 

Microsoft hasn’t provided specific details on when these Windows 8 SKUs would become available for purchase, but rumor has it that October this year might be the lucky timeframe. 

The platform will be released as an important enhancement over Windows 7, being the first Windows release to offer optimizations for use on tablet PCs. 

In fact, Microsoft claims that the upcoming operating system will arrive as a reimagined version of Windows, specifically designed with business customers in mind. 

The aforementioned Windows 8 Enterprise edition, which will be delivered only to customers with Software Assurance, is the platform iteration that will include the enhancements aimed at the enterprise market. 

Microsoft already confirmed that Windows 8 Enterprise would arrive with all of the features included in Windows 8 Pro, but it would also add some new capabilities packed inside. 

These premium enhancements are meant to provide enterprise customers with mobile productivity, security, manageability and virtualization options that are needed in today’s business environment. 

Some of the main features that will arrive exclusively in Windows 8 Enterprise include:

• Windows To Go is a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable external USB stick. This will allow IT organizations to support the “Bring Your Own PC” trend and businesses can give contingent staff access to the corporate environment without compromising security.
• DirectAccess 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, software updates, is easier to deploy, and it can be implemented with the existing IPv4 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 scalabilty.
• AppLocker can help mitigate issues by restricting the files and apps that users or groups are allowed to run.
• VDI enhancements: 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.
• New Windows 8 App Deployment: Domain joined PCs and tablets running Windows 8 Enterprise will automatically be enabled to side-load internal, Windows 8 Metro style apps.

But there’s more to it. Microsoft also promises better end-to-end security and improved manageability in this Windows 8 SKU. It also notes that businesses will enjoy an immersive, personalized experience on Windows 8-based tablets, that will include both mobility and PC-like productivity features. 

Those who haven’t tried Windows 8 yet can download the Consumer Preview via this link.

Posted in: Preview, Software