With a little tweaking, Windows 8 is perfectly suited for the Enterprise.
There are several substantial reasons why companies are reluctant to dive deep into the Windows 8 pool. Some of the obvious ones are the new UI, Training and the substantial time and cost of deployment.
I really believe though that once companies feel more comfortable about Windows 8, there will be a huge upside for their organizations.
In August of 2011, I said:
First, are there any native hooks built into Windows 8 that would allow integration with Microsoft Dynamics (their own ERP suite)?
Then, with the proliferation of Windows 8 tablets, and the ability of developers to develop in HTML 5 , Javascript, maybe .NET and Silverlight, how are the major vendors going to both develop and disseminate their applications.
It seems to me that we are moving toward an even more productive era in enterprise applications where employees in HR, Finance etc are going to have a lot of flexibility when it comes down performing their work functions.
and in October of 2011, I said:
In-Application Contracts
Contracts in Windows 8 will be a life saver.
Contracts are data clipboards that allow Applications to share information and work together without knowing anything about each other.
This functionality will be a HUGE time saver for developers and enterprises as they will make a lot of todays interfaces redundant.
I’m looking forward to seeing this implemented in Windows 8 applications for SAP,Oracle, PeopleSoft and Dynamics.
We haven’t scratched the surface (pun intended) of what Microsoft could achieve in the Enterprise when executives realize the potential of running Windows 8 in their organizations.
I came across this story about
SAP deploying apps for Windows 8 and looking at some of the images, it’s pretty clear what the future holds for Windows 8 and enterprise applications.
As you can see, we’re talking about smooth, sexy looking applications that will be incredibly useful on Tablets and PC’s.
In another article I wrote in March of 2012, I had argued that the real challenge Microsoft had in the enterprise was getting these apps into companies before Apple does.
I said:
Here’s the bottom line – the same attributes that make the iPad a fantastic way to read the New York Times will be the very same attributes that make the iPad a fantastic way to update a company’s Accounts Receivables.
Those iPads sneaking into the enterprise today will be able to prove their value as enterprise class devices tomorrow.
Microsoft knows this – this is why a Windows Tablet strategy is mission critical.
The next time someone tells you that iPads are just media consumption devices, just chuckle.
You know better.
As we start to see Microsoft partners dig into the Modern UI, this is the step needed to hold back the tidal wave of Apple devices that are creeping/flooding the enterprise.
Ironically, an ideal scenario for Microsoft might be this:
■ Companies will start to send developers for training
■ Developers come back and build useful and sexy business apps
■ Employees get used to using these apps at work and using Windows 8 devices
■ They get back home and wonder about what other applications are in the app store
■ They do some research and find apps they like
■ They like the devices they use for work
■ They buy devices for the home as well
It’s so crazy, it just might work.
Either way, pay close attention to the enterprise story. That’s where real money is spent.
SAP, ORACLE and PeopleSoft deployment projects typically cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
If Microsoft can make the case that Windows 8 makes sense as part of an N-tiered app architecture, the sky is the limit.
source:windows8update
