Windows 8 in the Enterprise: Why IT pros say no

We surveyed 50 tech pros via Google plus, as well as 15 tech pros from large enterprises at the geek site I run about whether they were gearing up for a Windows 8 switch.

Out of 50 tech pros I interviewed at enterprises around the world, 41 said they had no plans to bring in Windows 8 because of learning curve issues. Many are racing to upgrade XP systems to Windows 7 now and Windows 7 sales are as brisk, or brisker, than ever - the opposite of what typically happens before a major OS release comes out.

Source

A Guy

 

[alphanumeric]

@Coke Robot You said "Windows 8 can easily be used in the enterprise" Are you talking Metro Apps or just the traditional desktop apps? I only ask because you are constantly hyping up Metro like it was the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

[TerryE]

If there was going to be substantial changes in the Enterprise product, they would have made that available to enterprises to evaluate. Because right now, the IT Pros are saying, "no way in hell is this going on desktops at work".

Actually, I did get an evaluation copy of Windows 8 Enterprise Release Preview from our corporate volume licensing site - and at least on the surface it looks no different from the same RP version I've been running all along.

 

[pparks1]

If there was going to be substantial changes in the Enterprise product, they would have made that available to enterprises to evaluate. Because right now, the IT Pros are saying, "no way in hell is this going on desktops at work".

Actually, I did get an evaluation copy of Windows 8 Enterprise Release Preview from our corporate volume licensing site - and at least on the surface it looks no different from the same RP version I've been running all along.

I would have expected no different. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

Haven't actually seen W8 Enterprise anywhere yet -- neither on TechNet (or dare I say it nor on a few reliable Torrent sites that usually have this stuff available).

Cheers
jimbo

 

[pparks1]

Jimbo,

I was actually able to find it. I had to log into the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center. Then I had to go into our corporate account, go into Downloads and Keys, I had to select the Software Assurance block...and in there I found;

Windows 8 Enteprise Preview.

I rarely ever log into my Volume Licensing site. I use my MSDN account 99% of the time for the things that I usually do. I see that they also added a KMS key and a MAK key for 500 activations to our account as well.

 

[Mike Lonewolf]

<psst> pparks1 download it, and use the FTP feature on you home box and give us the download link for it. <weg>

 

[pparks1]

Trust me, nobody is going to enjoy downloading from my 2Mbps connection.

 

[Mike Lonewolf]

Bummer.

 

[legacy7955]

So the burning question remains will Windows 8 Enterprise have the option to have a default setting to boot directly to desktop, and can ordinary consumers have the opportunity to purchase it and what will the cost be?

 

[pparks1]

Unless the RTM version of all versions of Windows 8 will allow you to boot to the desktop, you won't find this feature in the Enterprise version.

Ordinary consumers CANNOT purchase the Enterprise versions of Windows 8. This is not available in retail channels. It's only available to those under and enterprise agreement and volume licensing.

 

[jimbo45]

Trust me, nobody is going to enjoy downloading from my 2Mbps connection.

Hi there
Wouldn't have a problem -- could leave a netbook running for a WEEK if I had to.

Seriously though I'll wait -- I'm sure it will be on TechNet at the appropriate time.

The only thing I want from the Enterprise version is the "Windows to Go" (or I think it's called something else now).

I suspect that it's only the Volume licensing stuff that allows it to run off different hardware without prompting the user for "Re-activation" -- but just like some people have hacked Office 2007 / 2010 to convert retail copies of Office into VL copies -- I suspect it won't be long before this type of technique to convert say W8 ultimate into W8 enterprise (and hence VL) will appear "in the wild".

Cheers
jimbo