Windows 8: The least spooky thing to come out this October

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halloween ITThink the release of Windows 8 means there’s toil and trouble brewing for desktop deployment specialists and IT project managers? Not so! It’s really not that spooky and here are 3 reasons why:

  1. There’s lots to like about Windows 8 for organizations. From AppLocker to BitLocker, from Client Hyper-V to Group Policy Management, there are many new and improved features for IT professionals to get excited about. Learn more >>
  2. The tools and methods used to pilot and deploy Windows 7 are the same tools used for Windows 8. Whether it’s MDT, WDS, MAP, ACT, SCCM or USMT - the tools used to plan a move from Windows XP can be used to deploy either Windows 7 or Windows 8. Learn more>>
  3. We’ve got you covered. We’re working hard to make sure you have the information you need to explore, plan and deploy Windows 8 into your organization. Check out the Springboard siteas well as these posts from the Canadian IT Pro Connection blog for information about getting started with Windows

Better together: Windows 8 with Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012

As you plan for your new client OS deployment, don’t forget the backend. Although you can implement Windows 8 client without having Windows Server 2012 and vise-versa, you’ll get the most benefits when using the two together, including new BitLocker functionality, BranchCache improvements, Kerberos authentication capabilities, security auditing enhancements, smart card-related features and TLS/SSL (Schannel SSP) changes. As well, management of Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 is coming to the System Center family of products with the System Center 2012 SP1 Beta in addition to a host of other enhancements.

So here are your calls to action…get downloading and testing the new versions of Windows client, Windows server and System Center for yourself:

  1. Download Windows 8 Enterprise and take a look at the changes and improvements the new client will bring to your organization.
  2. Download Windows Server 2012 evaluation and start exploring the how Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 are better together.
  3. Download System Center 2012 SP1 Beta to start testing your deployment and management of Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

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