Will Business Embrace Windows 8?

Microsoft Windows 8 was recently unveiled, though it won't hit the market for some time. In the meantime, you can't help but wonder if business will embrace Microsoft's newest operating system or will they cling to their beloved Windows XP workstations?

With Windows 8, Microsoft is bringing a brand new operating system to market. This isn't a Windows 7 upgrade with a few new features. Much like tablet PCs and smart phones, Windows 8 relies heavily on touch screen technology. Yes, you can use your old keyboard and mouse if you want to, but Microsoft is designing this operating system with the mobile consumer in mind.

Doing so is risky as a large chunk of Microsoft's clientele involves business. While mobile professionals may have more options with Windows 8, office workers may be stuck using the aging Windows XP operating system as they've been doing for a decade. Remember, businesses didn't trade in their XP machines for Vista in droves, nor did they flock to Windows 7. Not only would moving to Vista or Windows 7 require hardware upgrades for many businesses, many proprietary applications would have to be redesigned in order to work with these operating systems. A change to Windows 8 could have similar repercussions.

In addition to the costs involved in upgrading, businesses must also deal with change. This involves dealing with users who simply don't like change as well as providing computer training across the board to all employees using the new operating system. Those who don't like change may rebel and learn just enough to get by, making any potential productivity boost virtually meaningless. Meanwhile, other users may waste time playing with the operating system's new features.

Microsoft Windows 8 is expected to require fewer resources than Windows 7 and it isn't supposed to require new hardware. However, it relies heavily on touch screen features. In order to get the most out of an upgrade, most users will feel compelled to upgrade their monitors. While this may not be a large expense for individuals, it could be significant for enterprise organizations.

Businesses that have held onto Windows XP since its introduction in 2001 may be ready to make the move to Windows 8 when it arrives due to aging systems that need to be replaced anyway. However, those that just now switched to Windows 7 may not want to repeat the cycle of change so soon.

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CBT Planet offers a huge selection of computer training courses covering all of the most popular operating systems. Whether you need to learn how to use Windows 7 or want to be the first to participate in Windows 8 training, CBT Planet offers courses to match. Choose instructor-led Microsoft training in several convenient formats including classroom training, distance learning, online training videos, DVDs, boot camps, books, and onsite classes.