Executive Summary

Contributing Analysts: Wes Miller and Rob Sanfilippo

Windows 8 is both revolutionary and evolutionary. Revolutionary changes include a new, modern touch-enabled user interface; a new application platform designed to use the new Modern UI and hosted services such as Windows Azure; a new application distribution model based on a Microsoft-managed and Web-hosted store; and a new member of the Windows OS family, Windows RT, that offers Windows 8 features on ARM-based tablets. Evolutionary changes include a faster, more secure boot process, an installation option that allows roaming users to boot the Windows OS from an image stored on a special USB drive, and improvements to exploit remote access and file caching features of Windows Server 2012.

Many organizations have just finished planning or executing the rollout of Windows 7, so the prospect of budgeting and planning for another Windows OS could appear daunting. However, Windows 8 addresses some new IT pressures, such as employees wanting to use their own computers and mobile devices for work. Consequently, organizations need to at least take the time to understand the changes in Windows 8 and think about what opportunities and problems these changes may create.