Reasons to Deploy Windows 8

Many IT pros have strong opinions on the topic, so in the interest of presenting both side of the argument I’ve decided to write two articles: This one, which provides six reasons why you should deploy Windows 8, and a second article to appear early next week that serves up six reasons why you shouldn’t take the plunge.

So what are the most IT-friendly features of Windows 8 that would warrant an upgrade? Let’s take a look.

1. Windows To Go
One of the most promising features of Windows 8 Enterprise is Windows To Go, a feature that allows admins to create bootable, self-contained installations of Windows 8 on USB sticks and other USB storage devices. The Windows To Go installation is fully manageable as a traditional client OS, and it can be moved to other PCs with the users settings, files, and other configuration data kept intact. It’s a great feature for end-users and administrators alike, and I’m sure it will prove to be one of the most popular, IT-friendly features of Windows 8.

2. Client Hyper-V
Windows 8 marks the arrival of full-blown client virtualization to the client with Windows Client Hyper-V. Client Hyper-V is far superior to Microsoft Virtual PC, and provides IT administrators who have adopted Microsoft’s enterprise virtualization solutions an efficient and powerful way to manage create and manage virtual machines on Windows 8 client PCs. For more information, see our multi-part series on Client Hyper-V by Jeff Hicks.

3. Picture Password
Password security and management has always been a big time sink for IT professionals, and Windows 8 introduces a new feature that should help users remember their password and improve security at the same time. Called Picture Password, this security feature requires users to choose a picture and apply a touch-based gesture to it in order to gain access to the system. As an example, a user might select a photo of his wife as the picture component, then draw a smile on her face with a finger gesture. It's an innovative way to improve security while potentially reducing the ubiquitous (and resource-sapping) "I forgot my password" routine that many IT help desks have to deal with.

4. Faster Boost Times
One of the biggest complaints that many users have had about Windows over the years is the sometimes-lethargic boot times that Windows PCs experience. You know, the "I get to work, turn on my PC, get some coffee, chat with co-workers, eat breakfast, and then check for the Windows desktop"-type boot speed. While that may be hyperbole, Microsoft has invested significantly in reducing Windows 8 boot times, as you see below in the Microsoft-provided chart that compares Windows 7 to Windows 8 boot times. See the 'Building Windows 8' blog for more information on how Microsoft was able to put Windows boot times on a diet. - petri.co.il