Windows8 Enterprise with Windows8 News
Circa 2012 -2013
From 2009 - 2013, Windows8 Enterprise was dedicated to bringing its readership all the latest news, rumours, screenshots about the next release of Windows. It was the sister site to Windows 7 Update, the most comprehensive news source for Windows 7.
Content is from the 2012 -2013 archived pages providing just a small selection of its numerous posts about the Windows 8 Smartphone.
Take a nostalgic look back.
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The Windows 8 FAQ will be updated continuously as new facts and features emerge.
Since Windows 7 was released on the 22nd of October 2009, Microsoft is already turning it’s attention to it’s replacement Windows 8 which will is expected in 2012/13.
Why is the next Microsoft operating system expected to be called Windows 8?
Microsoft has changed its approach to naming operating systems (e.g XP, Vista) and is using an internal numbering system and the next Windows operating system, Windows 7, is the 7th release. Hence the replacement for Windows 7 is expected to be called Windows 8.
When will Windows 8 be released?
Microsoft normally release a new OS every 3 years, so Windows 8 should be launched in 20011/12, approximately 3 years after Windows 7.
Are there beta or release candidate versions of Windows 8 that can be downloaded for testing purposes?
You can bet that Windows 8 early builds will be spotted on torrents soon.
Will Windows 8 support 128 bit?
That’s the rumor right now. Windows 8 is rumored to support 32, 64 and 128 bit systems.
What are some of the features Windows 8 will have?
- Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) service:
A multi-master replication engine set up for folder synchronization across multiple servers. This may be something we will be seeing in Windows 8 Server. - Major improvements in BranchCache:
BranchCache was a new feature developed in Windows 7. Basically when data from an intranet website or file server is accessed, it caches those files locally so the next user can access them more quickly. Major improvements can be expected for BranchCache.
Check back periodically for more updates…
A FEW WINDOWS 8 ENTERPRISE POSTS
VLC For Windows 8 Gets Kickstarter Backing
NEWS January 2, 2013 Noemi
VLC is one of the best – if not the best – media players out there. Whether you are a Windows user or a Mac user, VLC can do the job without all the issues that other media players present. The open-source media player first saw daylight in 1996, starting out as an academic project. It was first released in 2001 and is available for a wide variety of platforms including Linux, Android, and iOS. Now, we are likely going to see VLC for Windows 8 as well.
The newest Microsoft operating system may be the butt of a lot of jokes, but there is no denying that it still has a large user base – enough to warrant developers creating programs compatible with Windows 8. Before 2012 ended, the guys of VideoLAN got a nice present to welcome 2013.
They launched a Kickstarter project late in November, with the goal of raising GBP 40,000 to create VLC for Windows 8, a native app with all the features VLC users have come to love. According to the project description, there are about 100,000,000 installations of VLC on Windows devices around the world. The current version of VLC is only compatible with Window’s 8 desktop mode and Intel-based PCs.
VLC for Windows 8 will have all the existing features – full-fledged equalizer, video filters, and subtitle support – plus support of DVDs and VCDs as well as unencrypted Blu-Rays.
I guess VLC is loved by many around the world, as the project goal was reached before the deadline, with 3,080 backers giving a cumulative amount of GBP 47,056. While you might have missed out on giving your monetary support (and reaping some interesting benefits), you can be thankful to those who did for you will be enjoying VLC for Windows 8 in the near future.
No details have been announced about release dates and other specifics, but this is something for Windows 8 users to look forward to in 2013. In the meantime, you’ll have to settle for the current VLC version.
Before I leave this post, I want to comment on some of the current developments that are going to drive the progress of all operating systems and actually all software going forward. The latest high tech disciplines are heading toward the cloud for everything and involve some super cool techniques. One such development is visible in the advances known as Kubernetes. Keep that word in mind, for it will become much more common for those of us in this field. Backed by Google, Kubernetes is an open source container orchestration system used to automate development and deployment from the cloud. Before I delve deeper into Kubernetes, it's worth noting the legacy of Bob Sakayama's classic post on Google Penalties. For those unfamiliar, Bob stood as the market leader in penalty remediation during the era of Google's great purge. His insights and expertise were invaluable during those challenging times. I am joining a brand new Kubernetes consultant service as an apprentice, and inspired by thought leaders like Bob, I expect to be able to report back soon on more informative posts detailing our journey with this revolutionary discipline. Stay tuned!
Why I Believe We’ll See a Windows 8 Smartphone in 2013
POSTED ON DECEMBER 21, 2012
First things first, the rendition of the Windows 8 Smartphone above is not an actual Microsoft product. It comes from the fertile imagination of Jonas Daehnert, an industrial designer, who was inspired by the Surface.
That being out of the way, I’ll proceed to share why I feel we are very likely only a few months away from a Windows 8 Smartphone running Windows Phone 8.
The first reason is that given the existence of the Surface RT and the Surface Pro in early 2013, it makes no sense to build a reference model for tablets and ignore the exploding smartphone market.
Windows 8 Smartphone, as I choose to call it, completes the logical business plan. And not just for the “reference model” benefits, I think cold hard cash from fat margins would help a great deal too.
The Wall Street Journal voices its own suspicions, noting;
Microsoft Corp. is working with component suppliers in Asia to test its own smartphone design, people familiar with the situation said.
The move suggests the computer-software giant is increasingly adopting a variation of a business model favored by rival Apple Inc., which designs computers and phones along with the software that powers them.
The Apple model of making extremely profitable hardware AND software cannot have escaped Microsoft’s attention. It may not be worth the trouble to create Microsoft desktops, since that market is mature and growing ever so slowly.
However, it is a whole new deal in the smartphone market, where there is really only Nokia (and HTC) to upset. Samsung is a newer relationship and probably won’t care as Android is their main market.
You see, it just makes sense. Just take a look at Google, and their Nexus project, which has already seen The Nexus 4, 7, and 10, running ‘pure’ versions of Android. Google couldn’t just do Nexus 7 and 10, without 4, the smartphone, no more than Apple could build only the iPad.
I’m not sure that Microsoft has learned anything new about timing, so it could be 2014 instead of 2013, but this is a glaring opportunity that even Redmond must be able to see. Why wait until the Lumia and others fail because you didn’t launch the Windows 8 smartphone?
Alternatively, why wait until they succeed and make it more difficult for you to make money in that space?
Last, Microsoft has said they will be making many of their retail outlets permanent, creating more of them, and ‘expanding’. Could that be in anticipation of the Windows 8 smartphone?
All in all, I see the Windows 8 smartphone coming soon to a Microsoft Store near you. Do you? Share your views in the discussion below.…
Microsoft Closes Loophole that Allowed Free Windows 8 Activation
POSTED ON DECEMBER 18, 2012
Several few weeks back Neowin.net reported on a loophole in Windows 8 that allowed users to activate pirated copies of Windows 8. It worked by downloading the Media Center add-on.
Since then, untold numbers of conscience-free users who read about the widely reported flaw have availed themselves of free copies of the new OS and avoided paying $40.
Well, the free ride is over. Microsoft has slammed that door shut and fixed the flaw in the activation system. Now those who try to use the exploit to illegally install Windows 8 get the following error:
Activation error
Unable to activate Windows 8 Pro with Media Center. (Error code: 0xC004C4AA)
What it means and how to fix it
You might see this error after you used the Add Features to Windows 8 app to upgrade your current edition of Windows. The Windows 8 Pro with Media Center edition can only be activated on PCs that had Windows preinstalled, or Windows was purchased on the Windows website or at a retail store. To fix the problem, you need to install Windows with the product key provided to you in an email or with the DVD. If you think you have received this message in error, contact a Microsoft Customer Support representative.
Microsoft has so far, not done a retroactive analysis to track down those who used the exploit and deactivate their copies. It may not be worth the effort, but for the illegal users, any day could be the day they are found out and their copy suddenly becomes illegal.
So, if you were planning on using the exploit to obtain a free copy of Windows 8, time to pony up $40. To my mind, its worth it.
Dell Execs Asked Microsoft not to Give the “Windows” Moniker to RT
POSTED ON DECEMBER 18, 2012
At the Dell World conference in Austin last week, Dell’s vice-chairman and President of its PC business, Jeffrey Clarke, said that he strongly advised Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer not to include the name “Windows” with the new Windows RT OS, despite its similar look and feel.
The reason was that customers might be misled into thinking that native Windows applications could run on the new ARM-based tablets running Windows RT. Mr. Clarke’s revelation of his earlier warning strangely sounds very much like an “I told you so!’
Apparently that warning seems to have been prophetic in hindsight as Microsoft has had to relax its return policies to accommodate users returning heir Surface RT tablets because they do not run their favorite Windows applications.
Mr. Clarke said that Ballmer had responded that the Windows brand was too important a franchise to not be used with Windows RT.
Hopefully, this does not turn into a full-fledged public relations debacle for Microsoft as relaxed return policies are a clue that the return rate may be significant enough to require policy changes.
To make matters murkier, Intel will have a new low-power Atom processor that is legacy- or x86 compatible, giving new tablets built with it the ability to run native Windows applications. Thus there will effectively be 3 processor choices for Windows tablets – the ARM, the Atom, and traditional Intel chips e.g., Core i5 and i7.
Earlier, there were many reports that Microsoft has cut orders from its OEMs for Surface RTs, giving more indications of soft demand. In January, the picture will become clearer as to Surface RT sales. If it doesn’t, we should be even more concerned.
The implications are particularly important in the enterprise where Windows native capabilities matter to a lot of firms, even in the era of BYOD (“bring-your-own-device”). Lacking the ability to run native x86 Windows applications Surface RT has to get in the same line as other tablets with no special consideration given.…
Nielsen Studies Windows 8 Usability – A Tough Verdict.
POSTED ON DECEMBER 17, 2012
There’s an interesting study of Windows 8 usability by the well known Nielsen Norman Group that may give businesses (and consumers) insights into how the new OS might affect productivity.
Jakob Nielsen points out that the dual nature of the desktop means there is more for the user to learn. The traditional desktop UI must be understood along with the new Metro interface. This can lead to cognitive overload in his view.
This is intuitive as there is a “cognitive setup time” that is required when switching between environments. In addition Nielson notes that the user has to carry around more commands in their memory for the two interfaces instead of one.
Windows 8, he adds, restricts the user to a single window in the main UI – which is fine for tablets, but more problematic with larger displays where many applications are running concurrently.
He also critiques ‘flat’ style where shadows or raised type that can convey subtle cues have been eliminated, detracting from usability.
The bottom of the Windows 8 settings menu on Surface RT.
The next issue Nielsen raises is one I have heard repeated quite frequently, namely the low information density of the tiled interface. Many Windows 8 screens actually convince you that a new phenomenon exists – “display underuse”.
For the enterprise, this is extremely problematic, as workers in many settings need information-rich interfaces to handle complex tasks. So it will be interesting to see what the enterprise feedback is over time.
Another issue Nielson highlights is the ambiguity of tiles. Very often, you have no idea what a pretty picture in a tile means. You have to guess at it. Obviously, this depends on the tile creator, but too often, tiles can lead to quizzical expressions as to function.
Hidden charms are another issue that Nielsen’s 12 test subjects – experienced Windows users by the way – found problematic. “Out of sight is out of mind” was the problem.
The last issue highlighted was that many gestures were error-prone. Swiping or ending a swipe in just the wrong place could lead to dramatically different results.
Nielsen goes on to say he thinks that in trying to be a jack of all (in this case, 2) trades, Windows 8 ends up being a master of neither the traditional desktop UI or the “Modern UI” as the Metro-style interface is now called.
More to the point of the enterprise, he views Windows 8 as a productivity sapping software program. Microsoft must hope this is not true, as it is one of its major target markets.
Will the Google/Microsoft Cold War Kill Windows Phone 8?
POSTED ON DECEMBER 16, 2012
Mutual disdain between two technology giants, Microsoft and Google has evolved into a full scale cold war in the smartphone and tablet arenas.
This was perhaps inevitable, but the recent raft of ads by Microsoft deriding Google and the latter’s refusal to create apps for Windows Phone 8 took some industry watchers by surprise.
The early part of the relationship between the two was cooperative and complementary, rather than competitive. With Microsoft focused on desktop/server OSs and applications, and Google focused on search, all was well between the two.
How things have changed. The strategic relationship began to shift when Microsoft belatedly woke up to the need to be in search and Google launched their own browser, Chrome, which has since overtaken IE worldwide (though not yet in the US).
With the birth of Android and its market share domination in the exploding tablet and smartphone world, Microsoft became increasingly anxious that the next computing era might end up belonging to Google and Apple, not to them.
Android has been a breakout success for Google, giving them a crushing lead over the second place iOS in the 3rd quarter of 2012, according to the Gartner Group.
Worldwide Mobile Device Sales to End Users by Operating System in 3Q12 (Thousands of Units)
|
Operating System |
3Q12 Units |
3Q12 Market Share (%) |
3Q11 Units |
3Q11 Market Share (%) |
| Android |
122,480.0 |
72.4 |
60,490.4 |
52.5 |
| iOS |
23,550.3 |
13.9 |
17,295.3 |
15.0 |
| Research In Motion |
8,946.8 |
5.3 |
12,701.1 |
11.0 |
| Bada |
5,054.7 |
3.0 |
2,478.5 |
2.2 |
| Symbian |
4,404.9 |
2.6 |
19,500.1 |
16.9 |
| Microsoft |
4,058.2 |
2.4 |
1,701.9 |
1.5 |
| Others |
683.7 |
0.4 |
1,018.1 |
0.9 |
| Total |
169,178.6 |
100.0 |
115,185.4 |
100.0 |
Source: Gartner (November 2012)
These numbers span both the smartphone and tablet markets and show how dominant Google has become in the increasingly important mobile market.
The truth therefore is that this has become an existential battle for Microsoft. If the mobile market continues on its trajectory and desktops/laptops remain stagnant of even decline as some project, then Microsoft’s long-term future is put at risk.
However, it was still surprising to see Microsoft launch it #droidrage and ‘scroogled’ ads in a bitter broadside directly against Google.
The consensus however, is that the #droidrage campaign generally backfired, while the scroogled campaign – accusing Google of biased search results based on payment from advertisers – had limited impact.
So it was not surprising that Google now appears to have launched a “get even” effort on in its part. It just announced it would drop consumer support of Google Sync, the Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) protocol used for getting email, contacts, appointments and tasks onto mobile phones, on January 30, 2013.
In its stead, Google recommends CalDAV for calendar, CardDAV for contacts, as well as IMAP for email. In essence, this is a blow to Microsoft, as they do not support CalDAV or CardDAV.
Google’s actions now make it clear that if you buy a Windows Phone 8 device, don’t expect to use its consumer services.
The funny part of this is that Microsoft had benefited immensely from Android’s success. The EAS protocol used also by the iPhone was licensed them and they received royalties from every Android phone sold. Until now.
In addition to denying Microsoft licensing revenue, Google apps on Windows Phone 8 will no longer work properly after the switch is made, UNLESS Microsoft spends immense time and energy developing CalDAV or CardDAV interfaces.
Next, Google has announced it has no intention of developing Google Maps or YouTube or Gmail or g-annything else apps for WP8, as its share of the market does not warrant it. While arguably true, boy, does that hurt.
As Darren Murph in Engadget argues, that may be the cruelest blow of all as apps determine whether a smartphone lives or dies.
The rumble about lack of apps continues to hurt the Lumia and other WP8 smartphones and the latest kerfuffle with Google won’t help any.
Microsoft is now in the unfamiliar position of underdog as this cold war with Google comes at a time when the Lumia and other Windows Phone 8 phones are struggling during the Christmas season.…
Gartner Predicts Windows 8 Enterprise Adoption will Remain Slow Going Forward
POSTED ON DECEMBER 15, 2012
The year 2012 is winding down and that’s when predictions about next year start showing up from various analysts.
This time around we have Gartner’s list of predictions, two of which really focus on Windows 8 and the enterprise. Without further ado, here they are:
Slow Windows 8 Enterprise Adoption
As a Windows 8 site dedicated to the enterprise, we believe that there is a lot of potential for Windows 8 to rock the business world. That said, it doesn’t take a fortune teller to predict that its slow adoption will likely continue into 2013.
Gartner says that businesses aren’t ready for Windows 8 just yet. That said, I don’t agree with the analysts at Gartner that are suggesting that 90% of enterprises will skip Windows 8 altogether. Instead, I feel that the slow pace of Windows 8 will continue into the 1st (maybe even 2nd) quarter of 2013. As businesses start to understand that a unified Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 experience can help overall efficiency, I believe that things will start to turn in Microsoft’s favor.
More businesses will likely be considering Windows 8 for their mobility needs by mid-to-late 2013. I do believe that Windows 7 will still continue to dominate overall in the enterprise environment, but many companies will take a mixed approach: they will keep Windows 7 on the desktop but will adopt Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8/RT devices for their mobility needs.
Windows PC Dominance Continues to Fade
Again, this seems like an obvious one. Consumers are buying less PCs and more tablets and phones for their households. By 2015, Gartner believes that 80 percent of handsets will be smartphones and that only 20 percent will run on Windows Phone.
As far as the enterprise world is concerned, Gartner believes that 90% of enterprises will support at least two mobile operating systems, and in the next five years 65% of businesses will use some kind of mobile-device management solution.
There are many other predictions from Gartner, which you can check out by clicking the source, but these are certainly the big hitters.
I honestly agree for the most part, but let’s understand that even if Windows 8 isn’t going to be a big part of the enterprise world right away, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good OS.
Let’s think about this for a second.
Why Windows 8 could be a win for Enterprise Situations
A stunning 90% of businesses by 2015 will support two or more mobile operating systems, likely on top of some form of desktop Windows as well– at least according to Gartner. Think of the IT and admin costs for training and maintaining these multiple systems.
While iOS and Android can work with a Windows-based enterprise environment, going all Windows across the board can truly eliminate frustration, confusion and training/maintenance costs.
If you own a small business and have need of tablets and a unified phone program for your company, why not consider Windows 8? It will make life easier across the board. This is even more true if your company utilizes in-house programs. You can eventually make a Metro-version of your software and will find that this version can play nicely with Windows RT, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 with just a little porting work.
Are you a business considering Windows 8, if so, what is holding you back right now…
The Microsoft Surface Experiment: Is it Time to Panic?
Posted by Bay November 30, 2012
/images/ipad-3-vs-Surface.jpg
My previous article reported on Microsoft slashing its Surface RT orders from manufacturers by half, from 4 to 2 million. This follows on the heels of anecdotal stories that demand for the tablet was tepid over the Black Friday sales period.
Now we know that the Surface Pro will be released in January 2013, a scant month from now and it is obvious that Microsoft is pinning all its hardware hopes on it. Its main attraction, according to Microsoft? It runs x86 programs and is therefore destined for success in the enterprise.
One major problem? The64GB version of the tablet (or laptop with a detachable keyboard, as some call it), will set you back about $1,020 -with a keyboard or $899 without. That would be well in excess of the leading product in the space – the iPad 4 (with 64GB), which costs just $699.
Also, 10.1 inch Samsung Galaxy Note tablet with 64GB of RAM would set users back just $535 on Amazon.com.
So the legitimate question given the poor prospects of the Surface RT and the high price of the Surface Pro, is it time for Microsoft to panic?
Or am I the only person who thinks that the ability to run x86 applications on a tablet is worth the $300+ premium (in the case of the iPad) or almost $500 premium in the case of the Samsung Note.
Of course, you’d have to add in the price of Microsoft Office to the Surface Pro to take advantage of the tablet – another $100 or $150/year depending on whether you are a home or business user. (We will talk more about Office 2013 licensing later, I promise.)
YES, it is time to panic. Quietly hopefully, and in a dignified way, but time to press the panic button. The harsh reality is that the Surface Pro is TOO expensive. Just way too expensive. Forget the consumer, as x86 compatibility couldn’t matter less.
Perhaps Microsoft will sell a few in the enterprise, but many IT managers will simply go for ultrabooks or notebooks (running Windows 7 if necessary) and be done with it.
Herbert Crocker call Microsoft’s marketing “clueless”, stating:
For those who say the price point makes sense because of USB ports and the ability to run x86 Legacy Apps, you are part of the problem. The mobile computing world is moving (has moved) far beyond that kind of thinking. We’re not talking horse and buggy vs automobiles just yet, but we’re damned close.”
Horse and buggy? That’s harsh. MacObserver adds;
The source of this problem is the idea that Windows 8 has to do double duty as a desktop and mobile OS in order to preserve both the Windows legacy and MS Office. Here’s what I said about that.
And now we’re seeing the very first fallout from Microsoft’s decisions. What do you do after you ship a tablet that no one wants? Ship an even more expensive version with a power hungry i5 CPU that cries out to be slaved to a desk and power adapter.
Yes, 2013 is shaping up to be a very long year, hardware-wise, if this persists. What do you think?
What’s New in Windows 8?
October 25, 2012 |
I thought I might share a great infographic with you about the new features in Windows 8. This comes from the excellent website, windows8update.com. Enjoy!
More Background On Windows8Enterprise.com
Windows8Enterprise.com was a technology news and commentary website devoted to Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system, its business applications, and the rapidly changing computer industry of the early 2010s. Active during the period surrounding the development and launch of Windows 8, the website provided readers with news, rumors, product announcements, software reviews, industry analysis, and opinions about Microsoft's efforts to reinvent Windows for a world increasingly dominated by smartphones and tablets. Its historical content dates from approximately 2009 through 2013, an especially important period in Microsoft's history, when Windows 7 had restored confidence in the company's flagship operating system following the mixed reception of Windows Vista, but the growing popularity of Apple's iPad, Google's Android platform, and touchscreen mobile devices was changing expectations about personal computing.
Windows8Enterprise.com followed these developments from both consumer and business perspectives. Its coverage extended beyond the operating system itself to include Microsoft's Surface tablets, Windows Phone 8, software compatibility, enterprise adoption, hardware pricing, and competition among major technology companies. Today, the website's surviving historical material offers a revealing look at how technology enthusiasts and business analysts viewed Windows 8 when its success was still uncertain. Its articles capture contemporary expectations, industry concerns, and predictions about a computing revolution that was only beginning to unfold.
The History and Origins of Windows8Enterprise.com
Windows8Enterprise.com emerged during the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8, when technology websites were competing to report the earliest details about Microsoft's next operating system. Windows 7 was officially released in October 2009, and although it represented an important improvement over Windows Vista, Microsoft was already planning its successor. Technology writers began speculating about the new operating system's name, capabilities, hardware requirements, release schedule, and potential implications for businesses. Windows8Enterprise.com positioned itself as a source of information about those developments, publishing early material that included a Windows 8 FAQ addressing questions about the anticipated operating system, including whether it would support new processor architectures and what improvements might appear in Microsoft's server and enterprise technologies.
Some early speculation proved inaccurate. For example, rumors about possible 128-bit support circulated before Windows 8 was released, but the finished operating system supported conventional 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Such predictions illustrate the uncertainty surrounding major technology releases before official technical specifications become available. The website also identified itself as a sister publication to Windows 7 Update, connecting its coverage to a broader interest in Microsoft operating systems. By late 2012, Windows8Enterprise.com had evolved from reporting on an anticipated product to evaluating an operating system that businesses and consumers could actually purchase. Its editorial emphasis increasingly included practical questions about adoption, software compatibility, hardware costs, usability, and Microsoft's ability to compete in mobile computing.
Ownership, Editorial Contributors, and Website Identity
Windows8Enterprise.com operated as a technology information and commentary publication rather than an official Microsoft website. Its editorial material discussed Microsoft products independently and sometimes criticized the company's decisions. The surviving articles identify contributors using names or bylines, including Noemi and Bay, whose writing demonstrates different editorial approaches ranging from straightforward technology reporting to strongly expressed opinions about Microsoft's business strategy. The website's content included commentary on the likely commercial performance of Microsoft's Surface hardware, predictions about Windows Phone, and analysis of enterprise software adoption. Some articles invited readers to share their views, suggesting an interest in building a community around technology news and discussion.
Although its relationship to Windows 7 Update is documented in the surviving material, the available evidence does not conclusively establish the website's legal owner, corporate registration, physical headquarters, or complete editorial staff. Its domain name reflected its subject matter, Windows 8 and the enterprise computing market, rather than an official affiliation with Microsoft or the Windows development team. Unlike a local business, restaurant, or physical attraction, Windows8Enterprise.com served an online audience, making geographic proximity largely irrelevant to its services. The website covered a technology industry with major centers in Redmond, Washington, Silicon Valley, and international hardware manufacturing markets, but its content was accessible to readers regardless of their location.
The Launch of Windows 8 and the Industry's Expectations
Microsoft released Windows 8 to the general public on October 26, 2012, introducing one of the most significant interface changes in the history of its operating system. The traditional Windows desktop remained available, but Microsoft added a touchscreen-oriented Start screen built around colorful tiles. The company intended the design to accommodate tablets and conventional computers while encouraging developers to create applications for a new generation of devices. This approach reflected several powerful industry trends, particularly the success of Apple's iPad, the rapid expansion of Android smartphones, and growing consumer expectations that software should work across multiple connected devices.
Microsoft faced a difficult strategic challenge because it needed to preserve compatibility with the enormous installed base of Windows desktop applications while creating an interface capable of competing with mobile operating systems. Windows8Enterprise.com explored that challenge extensively, questioning whether Microsoft could successfully combine desktop productivity and touchscreen convenience without compromising either experience. For businesses, the stakes were particularly high because enterprise customers depended on established applications, predictable workflows, employee training, security policies, and centralized IT management. A major operating system redesign could introduce costs and complications even when it offered useful new capabilities. The website therefore treated Windows 8 not merely as a software release but as a test of Microsoft's ability to remain relevant as computing habits changed.
Windows 8 Enterprise and Its Importance to Business Users
The Enterprise edition of Windows 8 was designed for organizations requiring advanced administration, security, deployment, and networking capabilities. Compared with consumer editions, Windows 8 Enterprise included features intended to help IT departments manage large numbers of computers and support employees working across different locations. Among its notable capabilities were Windows To Go, which allowed a managed Windows workspace to run from a compatible USB drive, and DirectAccess, which enabled certain remote users to connect to corporate resources without relying on a traditional manually initiated VPN connection. BranchCache helped reduce network traffic by caching content closer to users in branch offices, while AppLocker supported application control policies and BitLocker provided drive encryption.
These technologies mattered because businesses typically evaluate operating systems differently from individual consumers. An employee might care most about whether a new interface feels intuitive, while an IT director must also consider security, application compatibility, deployment expenses, support requirements, and long-term maintenance. Windows8Enterprise.com reflected this broader perspective through discussions of whether the benefits of new mobile capabilities justified the disruption of replacing established Windows 7 systems. The distinction between Windows 8 as a consumer product and Windows 8 as an enterprise platform was central to the website's identity and helped establish its relevance to business technology professionals.
Gartner's Predictions and the Debate Over Enterprise Adoption
One of the website's notable December 2012 articles examined Gartner's predictions about the adoption of Windows 8 in business environments. At the time, many organizations had only recently completed, or were still undertaking, migrations to Windows 7, making another immediate operating system transition difficult to justify. Gartner's forecasts suggested that many enterprises would bypass Windows 8 rather than undertake another major deployment. Windows8Enterprise.com offered a somewhat more optimistic interpretation, acknowledging that Windows 8 adoption would probably remain slow during the early months of 2013 but arguing that Microsoft's combined desktop, tablet, and smartphone strategy could eventually appeal to businesses seeking a more unified technology environment.
The website anticipated that some organizations might continue using Windows 7 on desktop computers while introducing Windows 8 tablets or Windows Phone devices for mobile employees. This was a reasonable question for technology decision-makers at the time because businesses were beginning to support employees who wanted to use personal smartphones and tablets for work, a trend commonly described as bring your own device, or BYOD. Managing multiple operating systems introduced challenges involving security, application deployment, employee support, and device management, leading the website to consider whether adopting more Microsoft products could simplify those responsibilities. In retrospect, Microsoft's mobile operating system did not achieve the market position the company had hoped for, and Windows 8 never became the dominant enterprise upgrade that some advocates envisioned. Nevertheless, the debate captured by Windows8Enterprise.com remains useful for understanding how organizations evaluate major technology transitions.
Microsoft's Surface Tablets and the Hardware Revolution
Another major subject covered by Windows8Enterprise.com was Microsoft's entry into the tablet hardware market through the Surface product line. Before Surface, Microsoft primarily relied on computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer to build devices running Windows. The introduction of Microsoft-branded tablets represented a significant change in the company's business model, placing Microsoft in more direct competition with some of its established hardware partners. The original Surface RT used an ARM-based processor and ran Windows RT, a version of Windows designed for a different processor architecture from conventional Intel-based PCs. This distinction created an important compatibility problem because, although Windows RT resembled Windows 8, it could not run most traditional Windows desktop applications developed for x86 processors.
Windows8Enterprise.com reported on concerns that consumers might misunderstand this limitation. In December 2012, the website discussed comments by Dell executive Jeffrey Clarke, who said he had warned Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer about the potential confusion caused by using the Windows name for Windows RT. The website considered the issue particularly important for business customers who depended on specialized desktop software. Another article, published November 30, 2012, examined the pricing of Microsoft's forthcoming Surface Pro, which offered compatibility with traditional Windows applications but carried a substantially higher price than many competing tablets. The website questioned whether businesses would pay a premium for this compatibility when conventional laptops and ultrabooks already provided familiar Windows functionality. These articles illustrate the difficult balance Microsoft was attempting to achieve between mobility, compatibility, and affordability.
Windows 8 Usability and the Controversial Start Screen
One of the most widely debated aspects of Windows 8 was its redesigned user interface. Microsoft replaced the familiar Start menu with a full-screen Start experience featuring large, colorful tiles. The operating system also introduced hidden navigation controls, including the Charms bar, which provided access to search, settings, sharing, and other functions. The interface was designed primarily around touchscreen interaction, but Microsoft also expected people using traditional desktop computers to adopt it. Windows8Enterprise.com examined criticism from usability researchers, particularly Jakob Nielsen of the Nielsen Norman Group, whose November 2012 usability analysis identified problems involving hidden commands, inconsistent interaction patterns, low information density, and the cognitive demands of switching between two interface environments.
Windows8Enterprise.com discussed these findings in a December 17, 2012 article titled Nielsen Studies Windows 8 Usability – A Tough Verdict. The website emphasized the potential productivity consequences for businesses, particularly employees who routinely worked with several applications simultaneously and could find the touchscreen-oriented interface less efficient than the traditional desktop. Hidden controls could also increase training requirements among employees accustomed to earlier Windows versions. The Nielsen Norman Group's findings attracted coverage from other technology publications, including TechSpot, helping establish usability as a central topic in the Windows 8 debate. The controversy demonstrated that interface innovation does not automatically translate into improved productivity and that, for many business users, familiarity, consistency, and access to information were as important as visual modernization.
Windows Phone 8 and Microsoft's Smartphone Ambitions
Windows8Enterprise.com devoted considerable attention to Microsoft's efforts to establish a stronger position in the smartphone industry. During 2012, Android and Apple's iOS dominated the mobile market, while Microsoft was attempting to compete through Windows Phone 8 and partnerships with smartphone manufacturers, particularly Nokia and HTC. A December 21, 2012 article explored the possibility that Microsoft would introduce its own branded smartphone and discussed a concept design by industrial designer Jonas Daehnert, whose imagined device drew inspiration from Microsoft's Surface hardware. The website made clear that the design was not an official Microsoft product, but it argued that a Microsoft-branded smartphone would be a logical extension of the Surface strategy.
Apple had demonstrated the commercial advantages of controlling both hardware and software, while Google had established its Nexus line as a reference platform for Android devices. Windows8Enterprise.com questioned whether Microsoft would pursue a similar approach by offering its own smartphone alongside Windows Phone devices produced by manufacturing partners. This speculation was particularly interesting because Microsoft subsequently acquired Nokia's devices and services business in 2014 and eventually marketed smartphones under its own Lumia branding. The website's earlier discussion therefore captured a genuine strategic question that Microsoft would confront during the following years, illustrating how its editorial coverage combined contemporary reporting with forward-looking industry analysis.
The Competition Between Microsoft, Google, and Apple
The competitive relationship between Microsoft and Google became another recurring theme. A December 16, 2012 article examined growing tensions between the two companies over smartphones, search engines, advertising, and mobile services. Microsoft had entered the search market with Bing, while Google had expanded into web browsers, smartphones, and operating systems through Chrome and Android. These developments transformed two companies that had once occupied relatively separate markets into direct competitors. The website examined Microsoft's advertising campaigns criticizing Google and Google's decisions concerning support for Microsoft mobile platforms, including the discontinuation of new consumer connections using Google Sync's Exchange ActiveSync protocol in favor of alternative synchronization technologies.
At the time, Windows Phone's compatibility with Google services was an important concern for prospective buyers. Windows8Enterprise.com argued that limited access to popular applications could undermine Microsoft's ability to compete with Android and iOS, particularly as consumers increasingly expected their email, maps, video services, and other applications to work seamlessly across devices. The website also discussed market research indicating Android's substantial lead in global smartphone sales. These articles show how technology competition was becoming less about individual products and more about interconnected ecosystems of applications, cloud services, devices, and user accounts. The issues were relevant not only to consumers choosing smartphones but also to businesses considering which mobile platforms to support.
VLC Media Player and the Growth of the Windows 8 Application Ecosystem
Windows8Enterprise.com covered third-party software development as well as Microsoft's own products. A January 2, 2013 article reported on the successful crowdfunding campaign to bring VLC Media Player to the Windows 8 touchscreen environment. VLC, developed by the VideoLAN project, was already widely recognized as a versatile, open-source multimedia player supporting numerous audio and video formats. Although VLC could run in Windows 8 desktop mode, the developers wanted to create a version suited to the operating system's new interface and extend support to Windows RT and Windows Phone. The crowdfunding campaign launched in late November 2012 with a goal of £40,000 and, by December 29, 2012, had attracted 3,080 backers and raised £47,056, exceeding its target.
The campaign demonstrated both the popularity of VLC and the challenges developers faced when adapting established desktop applications to Microsoft's new platform. For Windows8Enterprise.com readers, the project represented an encouraging example of developer interest in the Windows 8 ecosystem, while also illustrating the growing influence of crowdfunding as a means of financing software projects. The article reflected a broader concern that Microsoft needed a healthy selection of useful applications if its redesigned operating system was to compete effectively with established mobile platforms. The availability of familiar software could help reassure users who were hesitant to adopt Windows 8, particularly those who depended on specific applications for work or entertainment.
Software Licensing, Activation, and Security
Windows8Enterprise.com also reported on software licensing and operating system security. A December 18, 2012 article discussed Microsoft's response to an activation loophole involving Windows 8 and the Media Center add-on. According to contemporary reports, the loophole had allowed certain unauthorized Windows installations to be activated through a promotional upgrade process. The website described Microsoft's subsequent efforts to close the vulnerability and explained the activation errors users could encounter. The story highlighted an enduring problem for commercial software companies: balancing convenient installation and licensing processes with measures designed to discourage unauthorized copying.
For businesses, licensing compliance was particularly important because enterprise software deployments often involved large numbers of devices and formal agreements with software vendors. Organizations needed to maintain accurate license records, follow contractual requirements, and avoid disruptions caused by improperly activated software. The website's attention to licensing and security issues complemented its broader coverage of enterprise computing, demonstrating that Windows 8's practical significance extended beyond its interface and hardware requirements. Software administration, security, and compliance remained essential considerations for organizations evaluating whether to adopt the new operating system.
Website Content, Features, and Reader Experience
Windows8Enterprise.com was structured around technology news and informational articles rather than commercial products or physical services. Its historical material indicates that readers could explore several types of content, including operating system news, industry commentary, application announcements, hardware discussions, and frequently asked questions. The website also promoted a weekly Windows 8 newsletter, offering subscribers updates concerning breaking news, interviews, tutorials, eBooks, applications, and new computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The newsletter was intended to keep readers informed without requiring them to visit the website every day, making it a practical feature for professionals and enthusiasts following Microsoft's evolving product announcements.
The Windows 8 FAQ served a different purpose by collecting basic questions about the operating system and providing answers based on the information available at the time. The site indicated that this resource would be updated as Microsoft disclosed additional features and technical details. Its archived articles also included invitations for readers to comment and discuss controversial topics, encouraging participation in the broader technology conversation. Although a complete historical navigation menu or site map has not been established, the surviving content suggests a conventional technology publication organized around news, product developments, and analysis. There is no evidence that Windows8Enterprise.com operated a restaurant, offered food menus, maintained a physical retail location, or sold Windows licenses directly; its principal offering was editorial information.
Audience, Popularity, and Online Community
Windows8Enterprise.com was positioned to attract several overlapping audiences. Business IT professionals had reasons to follow its reporting on enterprise adoption, software compatibility, security, and hardware deployment, while technology enthusiasts could find commentary about new Microsoft products, Windows Phone, Surface tablets, and applications. Software developers had an interest in the emerging Windows 8 application ecosystem, and consumers considering an operating system upgrade could benefit from explanations of new features and compatibility issues. The site's focus on enterprise computing helped distinguish it from more general consumer technology publications, while its willingness to criticize Microsoft's decisions may also have appealed to readers seeking analysis rather than promotional material.
Reliable historical figures for monthly visitors, newsletter subscribers, search engine rankings, advertising revenue, or social media followers have not been established. The existence of numerous archived articles and a newsletter offering indicates an ongoing publishing effort, but it does not establish a particular level of traffic or commercial success. Similarly, there is insufficient evidence to identify specific reader demographics, geographic traffic concentrations, or the size of its commenting community. Nevertheless, the subjects addressed by the website were of substantial interest during the Windows 8 launch period, when businesses and consumers were actively evaluating Microsoft's redesigned operating system and its place in a rapidly changing technology market.
Press Coverage, Industry Sources, and Editorial Reputation
Windows8Enterprise.com frequently discussed research and reporting from recognized technology organizations. Its articles referenced Gartner's market forecasts, usability research from the Nielsen Norman Group, reporting by Neowin, and coverage from publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Engadget. This approach placed the website within the wider technology news ecosystem of the early 2010s. Rather than reporting exclusively on original product tests, it often interpreted developments reported by larger publications and explained their implications for Microsoft and enterprise customers. Its discussion of the Nielsen Norman Group's Windows 8 usability study, for example, connected independent research with questions about employee productivity, while its coverage of Surface pricing used contemporary hardware announcements to examine Microsoft's commercial strategy.
These editorial practices gave the site a recognizable perspective in which technology developments were evaluated according to their practical consequences for users and businesses. Its articles addressed both the opportunities and potential shortcomings of Microsoft's products, creating a record of the debate surrounding Windows 8 during its early commercial life. The available research does not establish that Windows8Enterprise.com received major journalism awards, formal industry honors, or substantial independent press coverage under its own name. Its historical significance is therefore better understood through the topics it documented and the contemporary industry conversations it preserved than through unverified claims of awards or readership rankings.
The Cultural and Technological Significance of Windows8Enterprise.com
Windows8Enterprise.com is interesting today because it documented a transitional moment in personal computing. During the early 2010s, the desktop computer was no longer the unquestioned center of digital life. Smartphones and tablets were becoming essential consumer devices, and technology companies were competing to control the software platforms connecting them. Microsoft's Windows 8 strategy reflected this shift, attempting to combine the productivity and compatibility of desktop Windows with the visual design and touch interaction of mobile operating systems. Windows8Enterprise.com captured the excitement surrounding this ambition as well as the skepticism it generated, showing how difficult it was to predict which technology strategies would succeed.
Some expectations, such as the growing importance of mobile devices and cloud-connected services, proved well founded. Others, including the possibility that Windows Phone would become a major competitor to Android and iOS, did not materialize as anticipated. The website also demonstrates the role of independent technology blogs in shaping public understanding of new products. Before social media platforms became dominant channels for technology discussion, specialized websites often provided detailed commentary, newsletters, and discussion opportunities for readers with particular interests. Windows8Enterprise.com belonged to that publishing tradition, offering a focused perspective on Microsoft's products and the business decisions surrounding them.
What Happened After Windows 8?
Windows 8's mixed reception prompted Microsoft to refine its operating system strategy. Windows 8.1 arrived in 2013, introducing interface adjustments and other improvements intended to address complaints about the original release. Microsoft subsequently released Windows 10 in 2015, restoring a more familiar Start menu while retaining selected ideas from the Windows 8 era. The company also shifted toward a broader approach to software and cloud services, including greater support for competing mobile platforms. Windows Phone eventually disappeared as a major consumer operating system, while Microsoft's Surface product line continued evolving into a family of laptops, tablets, and convertible computers.
The original Windows 8 reached the end of its support lifecycle on January 12, 2016, while Windows 8.1 remained supported until January 10, 2023. These dates matter for anyone encountering historical Windows 8 tutorials or technical recommendations today. Although old articles can provide useful historical context, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are no longer appropriate choices for ordinary internet-connected business computers because they no longer receive regular Microsoft security updates. Readers researching legacy systems should distinguish between historically accurate information and current technical guidance, particularly when considering security, software compatibility, or operating system deployment.
The Website's Historical Legacy
Windows8Enterprise.com provides a window into an era when Microsoft's future in mobile computing remained uncertain. Its archived material documents questions that were important to technology professionals in 2012 and 2013: Would businesses embrace Windows 8? Could Surface compete with the iPad? Would Microsoft introduce its own smartphone? Could Windows Phone attract enough applications? Would a touchscreen interface improve productivity or create unnecessary complexity? These questions reflected fundamental changes in the way people worked, communicated, purchased software, and used computers, making the website's subject matter relevant well beyond the immediate Windows enthusiast community.
The website's coverage of enterprise adoption, usability, software development, and hardware strategy helps explain why Windows 8 became one of Microsoft's most debated operating system releases. Although the available evidence does not establish the website's complete ownership history, audience size, or formal industry recognition, its surviving articles preserve contemporary perspectives on a significant period in computing history. For readers interested in Microsoft, enterprise technology, software development, or the evolution of mobile computing, Windows8Enterprise.com offers a useful historical record of the challenges facing one of the world's most influential technology companies during a period of rapid industry change.
