During the past few events like TechEd Europe, TechEd North America or WPC and numerous discussions with customers, Microsoft has always conveyed the message that Windows 8.1 is designed, keeping in mind the corporate world. The Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM constitutes various fresh new capabilities in terms of design, usability and security, exclusively available in this Enterprise edition.
Good news for MSDN and TechNet subscribers! You can now get the access to the new Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM, along with the customers having Volume License (VL) and an active Software Assurance (SA) agreement.
How to prepare your organization for Migration to Windows 8.1 Enterprise
- Starting with your Windows 8.1 planning, initiate by evaluating the Windows 8.1 RTM bits, in order to plan your deployment with the help of the already available deployment tools, for creating a well-designed process model.
- With the Windows 8.1 RTM bits available now, you can start testing the latest OS for compatibility, till the final product is readily available and after that you just have to conduct final testing and begin with deployment on the new windows 8.1.
- Companies and developers who are still operating on earlier versions like Windows XP or 7 really need to gear up their testing and migration process, especially evaluation of touch, mouse and keyboard options, because the support for 8.1 ends on April 8th, 2014.
- In order to assess the versions of Windows 8.1, go through Microsoft’s updated feature grid, which compares the Windows 8.1 Pro and the Enterprise SKUs and help you make an informed decision for your business.
- As we are aware of the recent launch of the range of business PCs at IFA, Microsoft also recommends Windows 8.1 Touch PCs for corporates, in order to plan their updated hardware after evaluating Windows 8.1 on all fronts.
Important information on Windows 8.1 Enterprise RTM Availability
In order to experience and derive the greater benefits of Windows 8.1, Microsoft’s Volume License Customers who are using Windows 8 Enterprise must activate their SA for the Windows Desktop in order to fetch rights to the Windows 8.1 Enterprise license. On the other hand, companies which acquired Windows 8 Pro through the VL agreement are licensed for Windows 8.1 Pro, even if their SA expired before the GA release of Windows 8.1 Pro edition.
Also, Windows 8.1 Pro & Enterprise, for production use, will be accessible through the VLSC on October 18th, 2013 and November 1st, 2013 for new customers purchasing through the Microsoft Volume License Resellers
You can download Windows 8.1 RTM via TechNet or MSDN today and start testing!
