By Neil Stephenson, CEO, Onyx Group

What is Windows 8?

Windows 8 is the newest Windows operating system which was released for general availability on October 26 2012. It is designed for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and tablets.

Adapting to Change

Microsoft is taking a substantial risk by introducing Windows 8 due to its radically changed user interface which is optimised for use on mobile and touch-screen devices. However, this new software can also create significant opportunities for small businesses wishing to invest in smartphones, tablets and touch screen mobile devices for business use.

It will be interesting to track the general adoption trend and the implications in terms of business change given that many companies might struggle to adopt Windows 8. Recent Gartner research shows that 90% of companies globally have no plans to upgrade to Windows 8 and, if they do, this is unlikely to happen until at least 2014. The main issue is that a large number of companies have yet to make the transition to Windows 7 from Windows XP-41% of the world 1.5 billion PC’s are still running on the operating system.

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Pros and Cons

Although upgrading to Windows 8 might prove challenging there are some unique benefits for companies who go through the process. Mobility is a huge driver for many small businesses who do business on the move and, as Windows 8 is fully optimised for mobile use, this will be hugely beneficial to those who do business remotely and have a growing off site workforce such as sales or field staff. Also, Windows 8 is the most secure operating system to date meaning all information accessed on mobile devices is secure and protected. What’s more, cloud technology means they can work from their mobile device as though they’re in the office, on a PC.

In terms of drawbacks, if small businesses are currently using traditional desktop computer, as most will be, the price of upgrading to Windows 8 might be a little steep and impact on cash flow, a big issue for small firms. Windows 8 wouldn’t necessarily be useful to all industry sectors. For example, businesses that focus on accounting software and those using software as a service where productivity is the main goal are unlikely to significantly benefit from upgrading to Windows 8.

Summary

Overall, depending on what the nature of the business is, Windows 8 can prove beneficial to small businesses but there are operational and financial implications that must be considered. Ultimately, the new operating system demonstrates how technology business is changing and the quicker companies adapt to this and realise how they can utilise it to benefit there business, the better.

By Mark Herbert, Founder and Business Development Director, intY

With a new operating system in our midst many business leaders are wondering ‘how can it fit into my organisation?’ Over the years the culture of Windows has stayed relatively similar with each OS launch. In the past, when Microsoft launches a new generation of Windows, the attitude from many businesses has been to stick with what you’ve got for now – it works, why change it, right? This time things may be different…

With Windows 8 we’re seeing a complete overhaul of the traditional ways of working and a move towards more application-based, touch-screen, user-friendly computing. For those of you using Apple within your business, this is a very familiar scenario – fast computing at your fingertips. Windows users today however, may feel they are not facing the usual ‘like for like’ upgrade today, so here’s a few questions that are top of mind, and some answers!

What’s the idea behind Windows 8?

Mobility is the premise for Windows 8. It’s bringing with it an entirely new breed of applications, fit for business, that aren’t available on Windows 7. These new Windows 8 apps will drive adoption tremendously. For the first time Windows PC users will be able to go to an apps marketplace and download tools for business.

What about my existing Windows 7 devices?

There’s no doubt that Windows 7 is still relevant for the enterprise. Particularly for those still using desktop or laptop PCs, as the touchscreen capabilities of Windows 8 aren’t applicable to those devices, yet. Windows 7 is still great for those business users who have grown used to the traditional functionality and culture of Windows.

Why would I change to Windows 8?

Businesses that are already familiar and happy with Microsoft’s functionality would do well to consider Windows 8 as their next computing platform. The culture of Windows 8, similarly to Apple, is focused on user productivity; furthermore, Windows has an unparalleled and proven track record in businesses of all sizes and function.

What’s new with Windows 8?

Quite a lot, but here’s my top four features for business consideration:

1. Usability: With Windows 8 usability has changed, for the better. The whole thinking and framework around Windows 8 is geared at enhancing the user experience, and this is applicable to all organisations, regardless of the size or function of the business it’s being used in.

2. Mobile: As Microsoft becomes more prominent in the mobile arena, twinning the Windows 8 launch with Windows Phone 8 and the launch of its Surface tablet – you will be able to implement a Windows 8 experience across all of your computing platforms.

3. Skydrive: Your workforce is becoming increasingly mobile, with multiple devices on your network, file sharing and storage via the cloud will become an important aspect of your business. Skydrive allows employees to access files from multiple devices, securely and on the move.

4. Cloud and Applications: Windows 8 is very much geared towards cloud, with built in cloud features and integrated Office 365. Microsoft is re-calibrating the package it’s offering to users by enhancing options for organisations. Office 2013 is offering a subscription model, which will be much more flexible for business users.

Windows 8 could well be the final piece in the application based computing puzzle within the enterprise. Driven by the consumer, it’s the way the industry is headed. For those of you that are happy with what you’ve got, by all means stick to it, but be sure you assess your options carefully before making your next move.

By Rob Mathieson at AYO Digital

It’s finally here, Windows 8, Microsoft’s big push to own a digital ecosystem, which will compete with the likes of other digital giants Apple and Google.

This multi-device platform has been designed for desktop and mobile devices enabling use of the system both at home and at work. This can allow for more staff to work from home should you wish to employ a more flexible working regime.

Based on the (soon to be renamed) ‘Metro’ interface, which was originally used in the Windows Phone 7, Windows 8 has been launched as a new operating system that shares the same code as the Windows Phone 8 and the new Windows Surface tablet. The same coding means it will allow businesses to develop digital solutions that will work across all devices, speeding up processing times and providing a more versatile toolkit especially for software developers.

Windows 8 also makes management of security and authentication policies much easier by allowing IT managers to specify security roles which will transcend all the platforms and devices – reducing management time and overheads.

The new operating system has also been specifically designed to work with the Microsoft cloud services, such as Office 365, meaning you can access and store everything in one place, cloud services also makes sharing documents seamless and doesn’t eat up your hard drive.

The intuitive user interface makes touch experience much simpler, but presumably will take some users longer to get used to. If you have employees with disabilities for example, in-house or external training may be advised. It would be worth training all staff thoroughly on how to correctly use and utilise all of Windows 8, yes, this may stretch your time and resources but it will be worth it in the long-run.

Microsoft now has an online ‘app store’ to rival the likes of Apple’s, offering the latest and greatest apps to download. The OS also enables deep social integration as well as a strong work interface. With the dock content to different panes of screens this will allow users both business and personal, to see a snapshot of what windows they have open so you can recognise which is which, similar to Safari.

To conclude, this is a very strong platform that is going to be used as the foundations for all future Microsoft developments and in turn if used by businesses could propel you in to the future and streamline your business processes.

By David Akka, UK MD Magic Software

The stakes are high for Microsoft as it launches the Windows 8 – a huge departure from previous OS  – and the Surface tablet, in an effort to gain some ground on Google and Apple: the big winners in the tablet and smartphone market. This big re-design means it looks as if Microsoft is banking on winning back share by capitalising on the consumerisation of IT, and shifting its focus from the enterprise to win the loyalty of the consumer market.

Windows 8 has been designed for use on mobile phones, tablets and PC’s with the purpose of providing a common look and feel, however, has Windows taken too big a gamble on an operating system which is too radically different from previous versions?  Such a move could alienate the existing generation of Microsoft devotees, especially in the enterprise where Microsoft will need to drive sales through legacy devices.

As Windows 8 is out today, many of us will be asking ourselves do we upgrade? Soluto CEO Tomer Dvir  tells us the benefits of upgrading to Windows 8.

The overall takeaway from Windows 8:

Windows 8 is awesome for consumers, especially for touch-centric devices such as tablets, and the Windows Store finally provides a solution for consumers to get apps in a safe way.

How different it is from prior versions/Windows 7:

The main differences are the touch-centric approach, and the Store as a safe way to get apps. Previous versions of Windows were impossible to use on touch devices, while Windows 8 is made for tablets. In the desktop mode, the differences are minor. Performance has significantly improved and the same goes for security, but this isn’t enough to drive major upgrades. The big question is whether the modern tile UI will be used on the laptop/desktop form factor vs touch-centric devices such as tablets. That remains to be seen.

When/why should people upgrade:

“The only reasons to upgrade ASAP are if you’re an early adopter who really wants to try it out or to take advantage of the great price Microsoft is offering right now for upgrades. Beyond that, I don’t believe upgrading right now is necessary for most people. Performance has significantly improved and the same goes for security, but that’s not enough to drive major upgrades. New machines will come with Windows 8 preinstalled, so with each new purchase the market will gradually upgrade on its own.

By Sumir Karayi, CEO at IT efficiency specialist 1E

With the unveiling of Microsoft’s Windows 8 later today, followed by the official launch this Friday, 26 October, many enterprises are still unclear as to what Microsoft’s new release can really offer them.  Billed as the most talked about Operating System since Windows 95, ex-Microsoft engineer and 1E* founder and CEO, Sumir Karayi, has the following comments to share on the new arrival, which some industry leaders are even calling the end of the Microsoft OS as we know it.

“With the double launch of Windows 8 and the Surface tablet this week, it is clear that Windows 8 has been optimised for tablet users as opposed to providing that slick finish we have come to expect on the enterprise side,” explains Sumir Karayi, CEO at 1E.  “As a traditionally strong player in the enterprise space, Microsoft has opted to emulate the Apple look-and-feel with this new release.  While the Windows 8 core is based on Windows 7 – which as a result of sustained evolution is an excellent Operating System – it is a shame that, on the desktop, the new Metro facade and the removal of the Start menu eradicate years of familiarity synonymous with the Windows brand.

“However, there are some key features of Windows 8 that will prove genuinely useful in the corporate environment – not just for the individual user, but also the IT team – such as a speedier booting process to replace BIOS, increased flexibility when it comes to managing virtual clients, and Microsoft’s Refresh and Reset function.  These features are a step in the right direction towards better IT efficiency, but could have easily given immediate benefit to Windows 7 users as well – especially considering that organisations are typically slow to migrate to new Operating Systems.

“Ultimately, while Microsoft’s focus on building a better User Interface for the enterprise space is commendable, it has certainly missed a trick when it comes to improving basic manageability and support.  The migration process is a huge undertaking for any organisation, so a concerted effort to ease both the time required and costs incurred during the migration path would have been of huge benefit.  What’s more, with prevalent Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) cultures in today’s workplace, building a better level of support for home-based workers would not have gone amiss.  Users should be able to self-serve the whole Operating System from wherever they are, not just applications.”

By John Waterworth

Hype surrounding the imminent launch of Windows 8 has so far been dominated by reviews and expert opinion. But, with an estimated 70% of the world’s computers running Windows, we wanted to know what real consumers think of the operating system and how they will cope with the learning curve when they upgrade.

We observed 14 typical users as they interacted with Windows 8 for the first time. All were experienced with Windows, and covered a wide range of ages and ability levels. In sessions lasting from 20 to 30 minutes, we asked them to perform basic tasks such as browsing websites, using social media, sending emails and viewing photos.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to preview the system the first thing you will notice is the new user interface (UI) which includes a new style of full screen application and a new Start screen (pic below). Microsoft refer to this as ‘the Modern UI’.

It’s certainly a radical departure from the existing interface and has the potential to create an easier and more engaging experience. But it comes with a huge learning overhead, which we think is likely to slow down adoption of the new system. It may even present an opportunity for competitors to steal market share.

While our participants found the Modern UI fresh and attractive, the radical changes it introduces caused all of them significant problems. At the end of their session, none of our participants felt confident using the new interface.

One participant told us:
“I feel like a baby again. I can’t do anything, not even my very simple list of things like launch Internet Explorer, type in the address, open something in a tab and go to that tab and read it.”
No buttons, menus or toolbars

One principle of the new Microsoft design style is ‘Do more with less’. Designers are encouraged to ‘Solve for distractions, not discoverability … Create a clean and purposeful experience by leaving only the most relevant elements on screen so people can be immersed in the content.’

This approach leaves the interface largely free of the input boxes, buttons, menus and toolbars that are familiar to Windows users. Instead, the Modern UI puts the emphasis on the data that the user is interested in, and asks them to interact directly with that data (by tapping, clicking, etc.) to produce the result they want. It also moves common actions into what are called ‘app bars’, a ‘charms bar’ (pic right) and ‘hot corners’ that users must reveal to use.

These changes left many of our participants confused and not knowing how to complete the most basic tasks. They missed important features because they weren’t sure how, or even if, they could interact with them. For example, several participants did not realise that text fields were editable when writing emails or when sharing content from the charms bar.

Users that couldn’t find the new charms bar struggled with basic search tasks such as finding new apps to download in the store. “That wasn’t a natural place to go look for search. If I was using a friend’s computer, I’d get frustrated.”

The app bar was also a challenge for many participants. In the Modern UI version of Internet Explorer users must right click to reveal the address bar and their tabs, whereas our participants expected these to be available all the time and did not expect to right click to reveal the app bar. “If I was on here clicking things, this would disappear and then I’d have to click back to get the bar back.” “I was going to move onto keyboard shortcuts next, but the last thing I was going to think of would have been the right click to bring that up.”
Harder to switch between full screen apps
In the Modern UI, most apps are full screen. As there is no longer a ‘tray’ showing the list of running apps, our participants found it difficult to get an overview of what they were doing when moving from one full screen app to another. ”Sometimes you feel like you can lose things when you come out of them. You don’t know where they go. On normal Windows they are down [at] the bottom.”

Users who could not find the ‘hot corner’ that revealed the app switcher (pic above left), were often stranded with no clear way to escape the current app. “I’m not quite sure how you get back to the tiles. I want to go back to the colourful thing and I can’t seem to … [eventually finds the start button] That was very tucked away in the corner, not very easy to find!”

Closing the current app was also a problem. To close an app the user must drag from the top of the screen to the bottom. At some point in their session, most participants asked: “Where is my X in the corner?”
Users must combine the Modern UI with the old Desktop UI
In Windows 8, moving to the Modern UI or sticking with the traditional desktop UI is not an either/or choice. For regular tasks, users must move between the two. The Start screen and the built-in apps follow the Modern UI, while Office and most other apps remain in the Desktop UI. This requires users to keep both interface and interaction styles in mind at the same time.

For example, at the Start screen, if a user inserts a USB drive and responds to the prompt to browse the files on the drive, Windows 8 switches from the Modern UI to the Desktop UI and opens a traditional file explorer window.

And the Desktop now appears as a specific ‘tile’ on the Modern UI Start screen. Several of our participants struggled with the concept of having their familiar Windows apps such as Microsoft Office appear behind the Desktop tile. “So you’re going to have to launch one app in order to launch another. You’re just going to confuse people.”
A bold and brave move
Microsoft has always exercised caution when introducing new concepts to previous versions of Windows. They have worked hard to make sure that new features are easy for existing users to understand and adopt. Our findings suggest that the Modern UI breaks this pattern.

There’s no doubt that this is a bold and brave move but people are going to need to set aside time to get to grips with this new interface. Repeated across around 500 million worldwide Windows users, the back of our beermat tells us, by the time every user has switched to Windows 8 there will be at least 300,000 man-years of learning curve time expended. That’s quite a suck on Planet Earth’s productivity.

So the question is not whether Windows 8 is a better product than previous versions of Windows (we think it is). The real question is how the world is going to feel while it learns its way around. Presumably Microsoft is braced for impact, and they probably have shoulders broad enough to wear the storm of frustration Windows 8 is about to whip up. We expect that there should be some lively commentary on social media from newly minted Windows 8 customers. It should be interesting viewing!