Windows 10: What’s in it for Work?

Highlights from Windows 10 Introductory Presentation:

Windows 10 is the next OS from Microsoft. In this article, let’s see some interesting features available in it for work.

Windows 10 detects and adapts to the device and it’s capabilities (mobile, touchscreen, keyboard/mouse, etc.) automatically.
Streamlined and universal app platform for multiple devices.
Synchronized data/notifications between different devices.

Windows 10 devices are expected to be upgraded to new OS versions (when available) throughout its lifetime, free of cost.
Even Windows 7, Windows 8.1 devices can upgrade to Windows 10 free of cost, during the first year of its release. However, Windows Enterprise editions don’t get a free upgrade, except for customers with Windows Software Assurance subscription.

***

There will be a Current Branch for Business for non-critical systems with faster/auto-updates & LTS Branch (Long Term Support) for critical systems where upgrades can be controlled using management tools.
There will be multiple LTS branches and it is possible to move from one branch to the next, in a controlled way. It is also possible for systems to move from LTS branch to Current Branch for Business and vice versa.

****

The company says Windows 10 systems will have similar hardware requirements like systems running Windows 7, 8 OS. Hence existing hardware can be used.
But some features may require additional hardware capabilities.

*****

Windows 10 can run apps from re-sizable windows within the desktop. Full screen mode is also available.

******

Active Directory and Azure AD accounts to be integrated for auto signing into PC, Mobile, and Cloud accounts. PC users, for example, need not sign again into Office 365, Windows Store and other cloud-based applications.

*******

Multi-factor identification capability without external hardware to be built into the OS. (Eg. PIN, Biometric & Mobile authentication, in addition to passwords.)

********

Data Loss Protection features to be built into the OS. There is no need to switch apps/mode.
Users can be prevented from copying corporate content to external devices. Admin can determine which apps have access to corporate content.

*********

More VPN Control options: Administrator can define which apps can be accessed by the user over VPN.
Access to devices via VPN can be restricted based on IP addresses.

**********

Built-in Mobile Device Management (MDM) capabilities.
Windows Store advancements: Unified app store for all Windows devices.
Web-based store/portal. Administrator can create personalized app store portals and allow users to download approved apps, based on the user’s identity.
Users can download app images and install them even on devices that don’t have Internet access.

***********

Cortana, the intelligent Personal Assistant available to Windows 8.1 phone users, will be available to PC users also, from Windows 10. It provides reminders, recommendations, and access to important information through typing or speech.

************

Project Spartan, a new browser, will debut on Windows 10. Among others, it enables people to annotate on the webpage, has a distraction free reading view, and is integrated with Cortana.

*************

On 2-in-1 devices, Windows 10 will enable seamless transition between keyboard/mouse and touchscreen.
MS Office applications will be optimized for touch.
Universal apps can sync with OneDrive Cloud in real-time, enabling you to start something on one device and continue on another.

***************

The Microsoft Surface Hub, available in 55″ or 84″ and running Windows 10, enables digital white boarding, remote conferencing, on site collaboration with multiple people, etc.

Further Info/References:

excITingIP.com

You could stay up to date on Computer Networking/IT Technologies by subscribing to this blog with your email address in the sidebar box that says, ‘Get email updates when new articles are published.’