Microsoft to release two enterprise editions of Windows 8

Windows 8 Pro and Windows Enterprise to include virtualisation and PC management tools

Microsoft has announced that Windows 8 will include four different editions, two of which will be specifically for enterprises.

In a blog post, Microsoft clarified that the first of the four editions, simply named Windows 8, will be for consumers and has an updated Windows Explorer, task manager and improved multi-monitor support.

It said that the second edition, Windows 8 Pro "is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business or technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies".

This edition includes all Windows 8 features, as well as encryption, virtualisation, PC management and domain connectivity capabilities.

Microsoft said that it will also continue with its enterprise edition, for customers with software assurance agreements.

It added that this version will include the Windows 8 Pro features and further capabilities designed specifically for an IT organisation. These include PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualisation and new mobility capabilities, according to the blog post.

The fourth edition, Windows Run Time (RT), will only be available as a pre-installed operating system on PCs and tablets that are powered by ARM processors. It will include touch-optimised desktop versions of Microsoft Office, in addition to other web applications.

Microsoft added that it will announce further details on pricing and release dates in the coming months.

Richard Edwards, principal analyst at research firm Ovum, explained that CIOs wanting to implement bring-your-own-device (BYOD) schemes should pay attention to all four editions of Windows.

"BYOD schemes will mean that every CIO will have to be aware of the capabilities of all versions of Windows, not just Windows RT. So if an employee is using a home PC or a system on chip device running Windows RT, they have to be aware of the performance and the application profile of the other Windows editions.

"CIOs will think they only have to be aware of Windows 8 Enterprise or Windows 8 Pro but if they are accommodating BYOD then they will have to be familiar and get their internal IT teams trained and aware of the capabilities of the other versions."