Windows 8 And Business

The new Windows 8 operating system has received little of the hype usually associated with the introduction of a major new product from Microsoft. Launched over three months ago, the usual publicity stunts and saturation type television advertising seem missing from what is basically a relatively quiet coming out party.

Many industry experts surmised that the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas would be the optimum launching point for the new operating system. Yet, despite the fact that many hardware companies had installed the system on their display PCs and tablets, reports from the show about the effectiveness of "8" as a business tool have been mixed.

A test of Windows 8 by this writer generated more doubts than an endorsement. It raises the question of not only when a business should convert to the new OS but if they should do so at all. Why? Unlike past versions of Windows, The User Interface (UI) is in a tiled format. This takes some getting used to such as the "Start" page. It also seems to works best in a touch-screen implementation.

Most businesses do not use touch-screen applications across the enterprise. To take advantage of the new system companies would have to not only purchase the software for the end-user but also budget for new hardware. This can involve investing in dozens of new machines depending upon the size of the business.

Windows 8 does offer new compatible apps to helps users optimize their experience. Unfortunately these apps are only available through the Windows Store, something most users will have to get used to. Microsoft hopes to keep adding apps to the store to make it viable for all of its equipment and platforms.

Overall, Windows 8 is a valiant attempt by Microsoft to change the OS environment. It is a push by the firm to encourage more purchasers of their branded phones and Surface tablets. Unfortunately for the tech giant experience has indicated that organizations typically take their time to migrate the newest version of windows. Several are still on Windows XP.

For now, the new UI and lack of a start button will keep many corporations from implementing the system in their day-to-day business operations. Those that do will need a great leap of Microsoft faith as they leap onto the Windows 8 bandwagon.