29 October 2012: IP Expo - Windows 8 Survey
Windows 8 caters for the modern workplace, but adoption will take time
Nearly half of UK IT managers believe Windows 8 will improve the work/life balance. Three quarters will not have the budget for immediate adoption
Over a third (37 per cent) of UK businesses are considering adopting Windows 8, according to new research revealed today. The survey, conducted by Equanet, provider of IT solutions to business, found that 11% of businesses intend to adopt Windows 8 as soon as it becomes available.
The survey of IT managers found clear reasons for Windows 8's popularity. 44% believed Microsoft's new operating system will improve the work/life balance for employees, a third (34%) felt it could improve the control and management of client devices and a quarter (25%) thought it would integrate perfectly with BYOD schemes.
IT managers were also asked to name the features of Windows 8 which are encouraging adoption. Here are the top five:
| Number | Feature of Windows 8 | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windows To Go | 42% |
| 2 | Windows User Interface (formerly Metro) | 19% |
| 3 | Increased Licensing Rights | 18% |
| 4 | Virtual Desktop Rights | 16% |
| 5 | Bitlocker | 14% |
However, 42% of larger SME and enterprise businesses in the UK are currently not considering the adoption of Windows 8. Of those which aren't considering the imminent deployment of Windows 8, three quarters (76%) felt that the cost of adoption simply couldn't be justified within current budgets.
Other businesses simply felt that there was no requirement for Windows 8. Nearly half (46%) are still looking to standardise their networks on Windows 7, and 36% are satisfied with Windows 7 and see no reason to upgrade. Nearly two in five (39%) of businesses saw no value in the operating system as they have no tablets. In fact, of the businesses not tempted by Windows 8, two thirds (63%) envisaged remaining with their current operating system for the next 12 to 24 months.
Felix Stauber, managing director of Equanet, comments, "Microsoft's operating systems have defined the workplace for years. Amid staunch competition, Windows 8 looks likely to achieve the same feat, although it will take time. Reflecting the growing popularity of tablets, remote working and BYOD schemes, Windows 8 can seamlessly inhabit the rapidly changing modern work environment." He continued, "Microsoft's new operating system is so committed to innovative technology that it goes beyond some businesses' current needs. Many businesses aren't quite ready for networks across remote and static devices. The budget for investment and perceived lack of requirement will deter some, and only time will reveal Windows 8's true popularity. He goes on to say "Fortunately, Microsoft is in a win-win situation. The popularity of Windows 7 means that many businesses are perfectly satisfied with their current operating system and see no reason to change. Windows 7 doesn't deliver the same specifications as Windows 8, but it remains a very effective operating system, so, whether it be on the emerging or legacy software, Microsoft's synonymy with UK workplaces looks set to remain."
