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In a new blog post today on the Windows Team blog, Microsoft have finally shed light on both the final name for Windows 8 and what the different SKU's for Windows will be.
Let's start with the name:
Drumroll...... Windows 8 is the official product name for the next x86/64 editions of Windows.
Thank God. That would have been awkward for a blog named Windows8update.com if they changed the name huh?
Next, there will be 5 versions of Windows 8.
1. Windows 8
2. Windows 8 pro
3. Windows 8 Local Language
4. Windows 8 RT
5. Windows 8 Enterprise
Windows 8
This will be a version of Windows 8 designed for x86/x64 editions of Windows. This will be the base version of Windows 8 and will probably be more than enough for the average consumer.
Windows 8 Pro
This will also be a version of Windows 8 designed for x86/x64 editions of Windows.
According to Microsoft -
Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. It includes all the features in Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro.
Windows 8 Local Language Editions
These are going to be versions of Windows 8 designed for a small subset of emerging markets and China. This is consistent with the leaks we saw from Winunleaked.tk a while ago.
Windows 8 RT or Windows RT
This is the version of Windows 8 that was formerly known as WOA or Windows on ARM. This will be a single edition that will be pre-installed on devices powered by ARM processors.
Note - Windows RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. - Interesting - seems like the versions of Office will be limited on Windows 8 RT. At least we can put to bed the fact that Office will be included.
This is the version of Windows 8 dedicated to running the new fancy web enabled Metro apps.
Windows 8 Enterprise
Of course Windows 8 Enterprise will be part of the family. This version of Windows 8 will be quote:
specifically for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios.
The chart below breaks down the features by edition.
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This is fantastic news as it adds a lot of clarity to the Windows 8 landscape.
Stay tuned for more...