Microsoft to add a standalone Windows Enterprise version

[Brink]

Microsoft is tweaking its line-up of Windows versions for business users that revolve around its Software Assurance licensing program.

Microsoft is going to make Windows Enterprise available to those without Software Assurance coverage for the first time. Previously, only those volume licensees with Software Assurance (SA) were able to buy Windows Enterprise. Now there will be a new Windows Enterprise Edition SKU, or version, available to anyone willing to pay for it, according to one of my sources, who requested anonymity.

Microsoft also is ending the ability to attach Software Assurance to Windows Professional, another of its business SKUs, according to the same anonymous tipster.

Read more at: Microsoft to add a standalone Windows Enterprise version to its business line-up | ZDNet

 

[lehnerus2000]

I wonder if this is a prelude to MS introducing a Metro-free version of Windows Enterprise (e.g. Windows 9 Enterprise).

 

[King Arthur]

I wonder if this is a prelude to MS introducing a Metro-free version of Windows Enterprise (e.g. Windows 9 Enterprise).

For all we know all future versions of Windows sans Enterprise might be Metro-only, with Enterprise marketed for the folks that really want the desktop and willing to pay the premium.

Obviously I am still cynical about how Microsoft will handle Explorer/Desktop and the Win32/64 API, Microsoft has wanted to completely kill off Win32 for a long time now since maintaining backwards compatibility in it (which we all want) takes tremendous effort. Given that Metro is slowly getting polished (as "polished" as it could be, but I digress), combined with Microsoft clearly not caring about the wants and needs of its pre-existing userbase, I truly won't be surprised if Windows 9 actually does come out Metro-only.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
This is GREAT for external consultants etc -- since you can build a Windows to Go system. I remember complaining at the outset about the fact that people who probably would get the greatest value out of a Windows to Go system were people like "roving consultants" but W8 enterprise was not available for private users.

I still get mine via TechNet - but when the program ends it's good I'll still be able to get Enterprise version.

Note also you CAN install Windows to go using "non certified" devices -

Creating a Non-Certified Windows To Go USB Drive » ADMIN Magazine

or tutorial on the W8 Forums

Windows 8 To Go - Setup on a USB Flash Drive or USB Disk

(There's no way W9 will be Metro only unless Windows splits into mobile and desktop versions. - if you do any sort of business content creation - working in full screen only mode is just NOT ON - even simple tasks often require people to compare / copy stuff from one application / site to another one - or have two windows open --translating documents for example).



Cheers
jimbo

 

[alphanumeric]

I was trying to figure out who would actually buy Enterprise, forgot about Windows To Go though. Now I can see where they might actually sell some single licenses.

 

[Indianatone]

I would buy it for use on my main computers as long as the price was not crazy. M$ need to learn the days of $389 plus tax for an OS are gone and price accordingly or see end users hanging on to Windows 7 like they are doing to XP. Free OS like a Windows 8.x Metro cr apps store and advertising may work for some but not for me. I want my OS to be there when I ask it and get the hell out of the way the rest of the time. I suspect this will be a premium priced product costing serious money.