Version details for Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 OS have been released, and indicate an aim of launching Windows 8 with less of the confusion that raged around the variants of Windows 7. The previous 6 editions, including 'Starter' and 'Home Basic' for emerging markets, have been reduced to four which should cover all of the market segments MS feel are important.
The Windows 8 SKU will replace Windows 7 'Starter', 'Home Basic' and 'Home Premium' editions, and is intended primarily for x84/x64-based tablets and home PC's. As well as featuring the UI improvements slated for all versions of the new OS, including the new Metro interface and Windows Store for applications, Windows 8 will also have an improved/updated Task Manager, Multi-monitor Support and Window's Explorer. Multi-lingual users will also benefit from the ability to switch languages on the fly, previously only available on Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows 7.
Windows 8 Pro builds on Windows 8 with features designed for enthusiasts, small businesses and IT professions. It will include additional support for encryption, virtualisation and PC management if that's your thing. It effectively consolidates what we currently refer to as Professional and Ultimate Editions in Windows 7.
For ARM-based systems Windows RT, or Windows On ARM (WOA), will be the SKU of choice. This version is designed specifically for ARM processors and hence will not be compatible with x86/x64 desktop systems, and most notably will include Microsoft Office but not Windows Media Player. The success of Windows on ARM is seen as crucial to the continued probability of MS as tablets increasingly make their presence felt in the retail market.
Microsoft have also indicated that they will be releasing an Enterprise Edition for enterprise customers which will include all the features of Windows 8 Pro, as well as more deployment and security enhancements required by large organisations.
For more information, including a detailed feature break-down of non-enterprise editions, visit the official blog. No release date for the OS has yet been set.
