Windows

Four product lines from the Windows and Windows Live Division are of primary interest to enterprise customers:

• Windows 8—the Windows client OS for devices using the AMD and Intel x86 and x64 processors
• Windows RT—the Windows client OS for devices using ARM processors
• Windows Server 2012—the Windows server OS for servers using AMD and Intel x64 processors
• Internet Explorer (IE) 10—the Windows browser.

In addition, Microsoft’s decision to ship its own hardware with Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT preinstalled makes these devices of interest to enterprise customers, too.

Customers need to track the status of these Windows products in order to plan for the deployment and maintenance of desktops, other devices, and servers as well as the deployment of other server products, such as SQL Server and Exchange, which may have dependencies on specific Windows versions and service packs.

Windows Client

The Windows client is Microsoft’s primary OS for desktop, laptop, and tablet computers (collectively, clients). There are now two Windows clients: Windows 8 and Windows RT. Windows 8 became generally available in Oct. 2012 after becoming available for customers who purchase Windows through volume license agreements beginning in Sept. 2012. Windows RT, became generally available in Oct. 2012; however, it will likely never be available through volume license agreements because it is currently only available preinstalled on devices. (See the illustration “Windows Client and IE Overview“.)