Is Desktop To Go a Reality? Microsoft 8 Says Yes

Security, mobility and usability are the cornerstones of Microsoft’s latest operating system – Microsoft 8. So the question is should your agency make the switch?

Susie Adams is the Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft Federal.

She told Chris Dorobek on the DorobekINSIDER program that the big pull for agencies to switch to Microsoft 8 is the ability to work anywhere, anytime on any device.

Pairing Consumption with Creation

“What makes Window’s 8 a good choice is the pairing of consumer projects with creation devices (work laptops/devices that need file editing capabilities). The idea is that you won’t need 3 products to do your job. You can do your work and personal stuff all on one device,” said Adams. “You can open up windows 8 on a phone, xbox, laptop and they all have very similar user interfaces. You can also sign in with one Microsoft ID.”

Digital Government Strategy

“The DGS pushes for agencies to look at BYOD and mobility. The directive calls for feds to have access to the data they need anywhere, anytime on any device. That’s the idea behind Windows To Go. Windows to Go is a desktop in your pocket. Basically it’s an encrypted USB drive that you can plus into any device and you can view your entire desktop. But the drive stays separate from the device itself so there is no sharing of information,” said Adams.

Security

“Windows 8 is embedded with new security features. Like Windows to Go and trusted boot. Trusted book basically eliminates the ability for malware to hijack the boot process. We also have a virtual smart card. So you can login without carrying around a clunky card reader,” said Adams.

Slow Roll Out

“The release of Microsoft’s Windows 8 isn’t expected to trigger a stampede among government agencies, but the operating system’s features nonetheless intrigue agency IT managers facing growing demands for the latest mobile and security technologies. Microsoft’s new OS is arriving as many agencies continue to grapple with their transitions from Windows XP to Windows 7. Extended support for Windows XP expires in 2014, compelling agencies to complete their moves away from the platform,” reports Government Computer News.