Deploying Modern Applications

Windows 8 and Windows RT (the version of Windows 8 for ARM-based devices) emphasize Modern applications, which feature a touch-centric user interface design that is much different than traditional Windows applications. Modern applications also bring new installation techniques, including the Windows Store and several “sideloading” options for organizational application deployment. Modern application developers need to learn the Store’s submission and certification processes, while consumers and end users need to become accustomed to using the Store. IT departments need to understand and implement Store usage policies and sideloading techniques to manage application distribution to employee PCs and devices.

Windows Store Centralizes Application Acquisition

The Windows Store that available in Windows 8 and Windows RT (in 231 global markets and in more than 100 languages) is similar to application stores that have become prevalent on mobile devices in recent years.

Since the Windows OS first became available more than 20 years ago, applications could be installed using physical media and later over networks and the Internet. Microsoft has offered application certification and logo programs and application marketplace Web sites over the years in attempts to moderate and validate Windows applications. However, the new Windows Store (a Microsoft-controlled portal) is the single source of nearly all Modern applications. The only way of bypassing the Store when deploying Modern applications is to use a technique called sideloading, which is available for use by organizations.