Windows 8.1 Enterprise Edition

17 July 2014 // View as Webpage // Update Profile // Share this publication I’m sure you’ve heard all about Windows 8.1 and hopefully you’ve had a chance to either try it out or, better still, are already using it! If you’re already up and running, then make sure you have also applied the latest Windows 8.1 update on offer – it adds some great new features, improves the usability for desktop mouse users, and adds an Enterprise Mode for Internet Explorer to improve compatibility with older intranet sites. Read more about these changes on the Windows Experience Blog. Something you may not be aware of, however, is that there is also an Enterprise Edition of Windows 8.1 in addition to the Standard and Professional Editions. What’s the difference? Well there is a comprehensive comparison chart available on the Microsoft site, but I’ll also pick out the key features here. With Windows To Go you can create a fully manageable corporate Windows 8.1 desktop image, installed on a bootable certified USB drive, than can be used to boot Windows in BYOD scenarios. Start Screen Control gives IT control of the start screen on company-issued devices to ensure key apps are easily accessible. Users no longer need to connect/disconnect a VPN to access internal company resources using DirectAccess – instead, the user experience is both seamless and secure. With BranchCache files from central servers can be locally cached, automatically, to optimise bandwidth usage across the WAN. Enterprise Windows extends the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) scenarios with a full fidelity desktop experience including 3D graphics and USB peripheral connectivity. IT can restrict files and apps for Users or Groups using AppLocker. Features include the ability to blacklist or whitelist apps, prevent installation, or prevent the running of pre-installed apps. If you’re building your own internal Windows 8 app, then Windows Enterprise sideloading allows companies to install the apps on domain-joined PCs and tablets without needing to either publish to the Windows store or use separate ‘sideloading’ keys. More resources: • DOWNLOAD and install the evaluation version of Windows 8.1 Enterprise • LEARN about Windows 8.1 on Microsoft Virtual Academy and TechNet Virtual Labs • DEPLOY TechNet for links to windows 8.1 resources on TechNet • UPDATE your Windows 8.1 with the latest update Regan Murphy Infrastructure Technical Evangelist Microsoft NZ The New Zealand SharePoint Conference is next week! There are some excellent things to watch out for here. Check out some of the videos from featured International speakers. Use the code Microsoft to receive $50.00 off your ticket, or make the most of the group discounts - buy 3 and get 20% off! 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TechEd New Zealand 2014 9 -12 September 2014 TechEd New Zealand has just announced their two exceptional, world-class keynote speakers: James Whittaker and Steven Martin. Seeing these guys in flesh will be hard to forget. Have a sneak peak at these International stars. You’d better be quick, there’s now less than 500 tickets left for the IT Conference of the year. Don't miss out! Dynamics Day 2014, from Intergen 23 October 2014 Intergen are hosting Dynamics Day 2014 in late October. This is a unique opportunity to hear from leading practitioners in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM offerings, providing a combination of product information, updates, practical information and customer insights. Successful IT Pros are always upgrading thier skills. Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) offers online Microsoft training delivered by experts. Watch videos, download powerpoint slides and test yourself as you learn at absolutely no cost. Here are the two top courses for the week. If you want to learn something different, head over to MVA here! System Center 2012: Configuration Manager After completing this course you will understand the features that enable System Center 2012 Configuration Manager. Choice. Windows Azure Storage - Design and Implementation Jump Start See the broad capabilities of Windows Azure, some storage design patterns and best practice techniques, and then a variety of tips and tricks so you can get started today! © 2014 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use :: Trademarks Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter any longer, click here to unsubscribe. To set your contact preferences for other Microsoft communications click here. The Privacy Officer // Microsoft New Zealand Ltd, PO Box 8070 Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand