The RTM flavor of Windows 8 was officially announced yesterday

Aug 2, 2012 09:54 GMT  ·  By

Now that Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing, users' interest turns to the devices that will be powered by the platform, many of which should become available starting with October 26th.

For businesses, however, things are a bit different, since they need access to the platform before that, to test it and make sure that it can deliver the needed features for their organizations.

Starting with August 16th, companies will receive access to the RTM flavor of Windows 8 Enterprise through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), provided that they have Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows.

One day before that, however, IT professionals will gain access to the final version of the operating system through their TechNet subscriptions.

For customers without Software Assurance, Microsoft is opening the doors to Windows 8 only on September 1st, through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

According to Microsoft’s Erwin Visser, customers should “consider adding the MDOP subscription to your agreement to make the most out of Windows for your business.”

“For many of our customers, their future computing strategy includes the need to manage Windows features, restore user productivity, and virtualize applications the operating system and the user experience and MDOP products can help you do this.”

He also notes that companies currently migrating to Windows 7 should continue those deployments while assessing Windows 8, so that they would find it easy to start adopting Windows 8 side-by-side with Windows 7.

Those companies who are still using Windows XP or Windows Vista should start considering upgrading to Windows 8 and plan future deployments.

With Windows 8 currently available as a Release Preview, enterprises can already start their evaluation of the platform. The platform can deliver a nice range of enhancements over Windows 7, Erwin Visser explains in a blog post.

“Customers have already started sharing with us how Windows 8 features like new Windows 8 apps, new hardware experiences like tablets, Windows To Go, enhanced security, DirectAccess, and desktop virtualization advancements are bringing about new business opportunities that give their organizations immediate value – from improved mobility and productivity to increased management functionality,” he notes.

“And every customer scenario is unique as well, making Windows 8 one of the most personalized operating systems for business customers – and their employees – yet.”