Microsoft Announces Windows 8 Editions
By: Arie Slob
Yesterday Microsoft announced the lineup of Windows 8 editions that will be available, and your choice got a lot simpler: For PCs built around x86 and x64 processors, the lineup has been trimmed to two editions:
- Windows 8 this is the default consumer edition, replacing Windows 7 Home / Home Premium. It includes the ability to switch languages on the fly*), a feature that was previously available only in the Enterprise/Ultimate editions.
- Windows 8 Pro is a superset of Windows 8, aimed at tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals with the addition of BitLocker/BitLocker To Go encryption, support for Encrypting File System, client Hyper-V virtualization, the ability to boot from a virtual hard disk (VHD), the ability to join a Windows domain, group policy support, and Remote Desktop (host) capabilities.
Those two editions will be available in retail packages and preinstalled on new PCs by OEMs.
For enterprise customers an additional version will be available through the Software Assurance program. Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organizations that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more.
*) For China and a small set of select emerging markets, Microsoft will offer a local language-only edition of Windows 8.
Windows RT
For PCs and tablets built around ARM processors, there will be a single edition, called Windows RT. Although based on the Windows 8 code base, Microsoft chose not to use the Windows 8 brand name for this version. In the announcement Microsoft Windows Communications Manager Brandon LeBlanc noted that "Windows RT is the newest member of the Windows family." The product formerly known as Windows on ARM, or WOA, will be available pre-installed on devices by OEMs only. It will not be for sale as a retail product and has no upgrade path to other Windows editions. Windows RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Upgrade Path
Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium can be upgraded to both Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate can only be upgraded to Windows 8 Pro.
At this time Microsoft did not announce any pricing information.