How do I get Windows 8 RTM ?

Bryan Von Axelson 2010

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Recently I have had several questions from Partners around Windows 8 and downloading the RTM, as well as, when it will be on the Volume licensing price sheet.  We have a number of programs that provides various audiences early access to the Windows 8 RTM code to help prepare for Windows 8 as it enters the marketplace this fall:

o August 15: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDNsubscriptions.

o August 15: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNetsubscriptions.

o August 16: Customers with existingMicrosoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.

o August 16: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.

o August 20: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.

o September 1: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

Here is a quick list of some of the features exclusive to Windows 8 Pro:

  • BitLocker and BitLocker To Go

  • Boot from VHD

  • Client Hyper-V

  • Encrypting File System (EFS)

  • Domain Join

  • Group Policy

  • Remote Desktop (host)

  • Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate

Windows 8 Edition comparison: https://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx

Windows 8 Enterprise:

Windows 8 Enterprise features include all the capabilities that customers get with Windows 8 Pro, plus premium features designed to provide the mobile productivity, security, manageability and virtualization needs of today’s businesses. Here’s an overview of some of the key features that will be available exclusively to Windows 8 Enterprise customers:

  • Windows To Go
  • DirectAccess
  • BranchCache
  • AppLocker
  • VDI enhancements
  • New Windows 8 App Deployment

Enhancing the Windows Benefits in Software Assurance

As we reimagine Windows 8, we’re also enhancing our Software Assurance (SA) benefits to meet the needs of today’s workforce. After Windows 8 Enterprise becomes available, Software Assurance customers will have the following new use rights:

  • Windows To Go Use Rights: Windows To Go will allow companies to support Bring Your Own PC scenarios and will give employees who need to work from home more secure access to their full corporate environment. With Windows To Go use rights under Software Assurance, an employee will be able to use Windows To Go on any company PC licensed with Windows SA as well as from their home PC. Additionally, through a new companion device license for SA, employees will be able to use WTG on their personal devices at work.
  • Windows RT Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) Rights: When used as a companion of a Windows Software Assurance licensed PC, Windows RT will automatically receive extended VDA rights. These rights will provide access to a full VDI image running in the datacenter which will make Windows RT a great complementary tablet option for business customers.
  • Companion Device License: For customers who want to provide full flexibility for how employees access their corporate desktop across devices, we are introducing a new Companion Device License for Windows SA customers. For users of Windows Software Assurance licensed PCs this optional add-on will provide rights to access a corporate desktop either through VDI or Windows To Go on up to four personally owned devices.

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Technorati Tags: Windows 8 RTM,Download Windows 8 RTM,Windows 8 Editions

Technorati Tags: Windows 8 RTM,Download Windows 8 RTM,Windows 8 Editions