Using the Windows To Go Feature of Windows 8

Windows To Go (WTG), a new way to run Windows 8 Enterprise edition, may help organizations address the consumerization of IT by making it more practical to use Windows 8 on shared, unmanaged, or public computers. With WTG, a user can roam to a Windows 7 or Windows 8 certified computer, insert a USB drive, and boot a corporate-sanctioned image of Windows 8 to access a corporate network. However, to use WTG the computer has to be able to boot from a USB drive, and the user may have to access the computer’s firmware to adjust the computer’s boot configuration.

WTG Addresses Consumerization of IT

The consumerization of IT describes a trend where employees work on devices not owned or managed by their employers, such as personally owned laptops, home computers, tablets, or smartphones. This trend is creating both opportunities and problems for organizations. On one hand, employees may be more productive as they can work anytime and anywhere as long as they have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet. On the other hand, using unmanaged devices can introduce data security, corporate governance, and licensing issues.