How Windows 8 can boost productivity of SMBs

BANGALORE, INDIA: Migrating to Windows 8 isn't a big deal for SMEs, but why they are doing it is something one needs to understand. Basically, it is felt that the opportunities offered by Microsoft's new software outweigh its challenges.

Elaborating on that, Amrish Goyal, Director, Windows Business Group, Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd., told Abhigna N G of CIOL that it is imperative for companies to leverage new trends in technology.

Excerpts:

CIOL: Can you throw light on why SMEs should go for Windows 8?

Amrish Goyal: Workers are increasingly influencing the technology they use at work. This trend puts high expectations on IT administrators to keep their users productive and secure anytime, anywhere, across a broad range of devices.

Windows 8 is great for SMEs because it delivers enterprise-grade capabilities that IT departments need.

CIOL: Having said that, how does Windows 8 make an ideal solution for SMEs?

AG: With the power and familiarity of the desktop, new ways for users to interact with line of business Windows Store apps, and support for more mobile form factors, Windows 8 is the ideal solution for businesses, including SMEs.

Also, with the end-to-end security features and manageability enhancements, Windows 8 can help businesses to be more productive.

CIOL: How does it benefit SMEs? And how can SMEs migrate to Windows 8?

AG: SMEs stand to benefit immensely from the all-new Windows 8. In the era of new technology, companies need to upgrade their software and systems on a regular basis to take full advantage of various features and bring ease to their employees.

In order to experience new benefits like cloud and touch, it becomes imperative for businesses to migrate to Windows 8. SMEs can easily migrate from previous versions of Microsoft OS to Windows 8 through attractive offers currently available in the market.

CIOL: Can you share some of the features in specific?

AG: Mobile Broadband and Metered connection: Built-in mobile broadband features in Windows 8 integrate support for 3G and 4G telecommunication, which enables mobile workers to get connected to the Internet immediately.

Free Antivirus (Windows Defender): Windows Defender is a free anti-malware software included in Windows, and you can update it automatically through Windows Update.

Sky Drive (7 GB of free cloud storage available from anywhere): For businesses interested in public file sharing technologies, SkyDrive provides a simple, easy-to-use cloud storage solution.

Fast start-up and shut down times, longer battery life and lastly, remote devices can be managed and patched using our cloud offering called Windows Intune.