Microsoft insists Windows RT is enterprise ready

Vendor wants enterprises to embrace light version of OS, claiming it is very similar to full Windows 8

Microsoft has insisted that Windows RT is enterprise ready, claiming that the light version is "very similar" to the full Windows 8 operating system.

Speaking at a Windows 8 press event, the vendor said it wanted businesses to embrace the RT version as it offered "additional choice" for enterprises.

The RT version contains Office components such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, and comes with a USB port, data encryption, and the ability to side-load apps, according to the vendor.

Microsoft conceded that customers have raised concerns that Windows 7 line of business applications do not run natively on the light operating system. However, it claimed that using its Remote App technology, such apps can run remotely from a datacentre server, while still offering the same experience as if it were run locally.

Despite the vendor's attempts to encourage RT uptake in enterprises, Andy Trish, managing director of NCI Technologies, said that until Microsoft can make the RT version join domains, he is not interested.

"If it does not have domain-join [capability] it will not talk to a server, and that means any customer buying RT who wants their documents at work, it won't do it," he added.

Richard Gibbons, software manager at VAR Bechtle, said that while RT has its place in business, the conversations he is having with customers are revolving around the full professional version of Windows 8.

He said: "The RT version is better than [an iPad], so we would recommend it... it is okay for people who want a laptop as well as a tablet. However, most customers do not want to pay for or carry two devices, and want something that does it all, so the full version is better for that.

"Some customers are happy with iPad-style features, and the RT is better than the iPad, but in general, the conversations we are having are all about the professional version."

At the press event, Microsoft outlined what it believes are the key benefits of the full version of the OS in the enterprise space, citing mobility, security and virtualisation capabilities as key factors.

Windows To Go, a Windows 8 USB stick which can be plugged into a laptop to deliver the new OS, was cited as a key mobility benefit which the firm claims will make life easier for end users. New security features were demonstrated to the press, including its enhanced Bit Locker and Trusted Boot system, which is designed to repair viruses before they are able to infect a device.

Although Microsoft claims that Windows 8 is "the biggest thing to happen since Windows 95", channel sources remain divided over how rapidly it will be deployed among their customers.

This week's CRN poll shows that 45 per cent of respondents believe their customers will upgrade, but not for some time, while 27 per cent do not believe that their customers will implement the new OS at all.