Windows 8 Expectations Grow Higher Among Small Businesses: Survey

Published: June 12, 2012

by Alex Woodie

The capability to use the same Windows OS across multiple devices, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones, is bolstering expectations by small businesses in advance of Windows 8 release later this year, according to a recent survey by the easy-button people at Staples.

Staples says that a recent survey conducted as part of its Small Business Index showed that 70 percent of small business owners who were aware of Windows 8 have plans to upgrade to the new OS, which is expected to ship in October. The survey was conducted online in May and included a randomly selected sample of 501 small business owners.

Windows 8's capability to work across multiple devices is a major reason for upgrade plans of small businesses, Staples says. Of those who are planning to upgrade, 28 percent said the capability to work across PCs, phones, and tablets was what excited them the most about the new OS.

Windows 8 is the first release of the Microsoft OS that will run on processors designed for smaller devices, including ARM's embedded 32-bit RISC processors, which are widely used in smartphones and tablets.

To go along with the multi-processor capability, Windows 8 will also feature a new user experience. Microsoft has dropped the old system of drop-down menus and the Start button in favor of the new Metro user interface, which will look and run the same across a PC, a tablet, and a smartphone. Some people seem to love Metro, while others hate it.

Whether or not Windows 8 turns out a dud (like Windows Vista) or the greatest thing since sliced bread (XP) remains to be seen. What is known is that, due to the collective momentum of Microsoft and Windows, we'll be living with Windows 7 for years to come.

                     Post this story to del.icio.us
               Post this story to Digg
    Post this story to Slashdot