Windows® 8 represents Microsoft’s biggest leap since it introduced Windows 95 nearly 20 years ago. It promises a new way of working but exactly what does this operating system mean for small and midsize businesses? Are there benefits that justify the upgrade cost? In this article, we’ll explore how Windows 8 will impact your business and cost-saving trends that you need to consider.
Most tech enthusiasts agree that Windows 8 strikes a balance between adding new features and maintaining familiarity of previous ones so that it has a fairly short learning curve. The radical change however is not the software; it’s the way that you interact with it. Windows 8 is designed for touch and mouse and keyboard, so you can type, swipe, or click – a game changer for mobile workforces.
Mobile workers have the most to gain
Tablets have already made their way into the hands of mobile workers, such as field service technicians, but entering large amounts of data is clumsy without a keyboard. Data security is also a major concern. Microsoft’s one-two punch addresses both of these issues. Its business version of the new operating system, called Windows 8 Pro, includes the full Office Suite with enhanced security features. The company also launched new hardware that bridges the divide between laptops and tablets, called Surface Pro. Along with all of the features you’d expect in a tablet, such as a touch screen and camera, it includes a full-size USB port, input pen, keyboard, and stand. For field service technicians, this package offers significant usability enhancements.
Consider upgrading to Windows 8 if your company…
- has a mobile workforce that needs to access back-office programs and enter data
- is currently running Windows XP, which is set to have its support expire in April 2014
- will soon need to upgrade existing computers or add new devices
You can run Windows on a Dell, HP, Toshiba, Samsung, or Acer device, to name a few, so you aren’t tied to a single manufacturer. In fact, many organizations are adopting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, which permits employees to use their own laptops, tablets, and smart phones to access company information and applications. This can cut costs for businesses and improve employee satisfaction, which is why it’s a rapidly-growing trend in IT management - but it can also have its drawbacks. Until now, most enterprise applications weren’t designed for mobile-device users and data security was difficult to achieve. Windows 8, however, extends the enterprise application framework and security of your Windows network to your mobile devices. Many believe this is the last big hurdle to wide-spread adoption of mobile devices in the workplace.
Takeaway – a staged upgrade is likely best
Small and midsize businesses should focus on the areas that will benefit most from mobility enhancements in Windows 8, and take a staged approach. You may, for example, upgrade field service technicians and salespeople before customer service and finance employees. This way you can get the greatest business advantages while spreading out the upgrade costs.
Useful links related to this article
> SAP.info article: Windows 8 – Made for Business (March 27, 2013)
> Globe and Mail article: Work has become one big BYOD party (March 28, 2013)
> Ask an expert: Email your Windows 8 question to Zantek
| Next month's article |
| Closing the gap for field service technicians |
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Long considered the greatest gap, new automation tools will connect field services with head office like never before. Learn what's coming and how it will transform your business. |
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