Features Unique to Windows Enterprise Edition

Windows Enterprise edition is differentiated from Windows Pro by a small set of technical features, and use of some is contingent on maintaining active Software Assurance (SA) on the underlying Windows license.

Features That Do Not Require SA

Customers with rights to Windows Enterprise can use the following five technical features, all unique to Enterprise edition, regardless of whether or not they have active SA coverage for their Windows licenses.

AppLocker allows administrators to centrally control what software can run on client computers. It can be used to prevent installation of unauthorized applications or malicious software and to ensure consistent desktop configurations. (For more information, see the “Windows 7 Lockers Secure Data and Applications” chapter in the Apr. 2011 Research Report, “Evaluating Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1,” and technet.microsoft.com/library/hh831440.aspx. )

BranchCache uses caching technology to provide users in a branch office with speedier access to files, Web pages, and other resources that reside elsewhere on the organization’s network. (For more information, see the “Windows DirectAccess and BranchCache Updated” chapter in the Dec. 2012 Research Report, “Windows 8 in the Enterprise,” and technet.microsoft.com/library/jj554515.aspx. )