Microsoft details multiple editions of Windows 10

Microsoft has finally announced the availability of Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education for launch on August 1. Consequently, volume licensing consumers will receive both OS versions for download on the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Additional Windows 10 editions, such as Mobile Enterprise and IoT Core, will follow later this year.

Windows 10 offers companies a unified platform for all devices. As a result, there is potential for cost reductions to the end user. For example, there will be just one App store with Universal Apps for easier development across multiple devices. Additionally, Windows 10 will feature improved security via two-factor authentication. This involves the usual input codes, biometric identification (fingerprint), secondary devices, or Azure Active Directory between different systems.

Windows Hello will be integrated into the OS kernel to enable fingerprint identification, face recognition, and iris scanning for login purposes. For even deeper data protection, the operating system will feature Data Lost Prevention on all paired devices.

Some important changes coming to Windows 10 for IT management:

• Management of company-owned devices: Windows 10 is "Windows as a Service" and will always provide the company an optimized environment for easy daily use, flexible features, and protection of critical devices.
• Long Term Servicing Branch: Targeted control of the automatic updating process. For some specific uses like emergency medical services or air traffic control, these systems do not necessarily require automatic updates for new functionality. Thus, such customers can set automatic updates for security patches only.
• Current Branch for Business: Feature updates will only be available once they have proven their stability and compatibility on the consumer market first.
• Windows Update for Business: The business can decide on a specific maintenance window to receive updates and can easily check when a particular device has been updated.
• In-Place Upgrade: Windows itself takes over the upgrade process to automatically migrate individual applications and drivers to Windows 10. Restoring to the previous system OS is possible as long as the new system is not 100 percent complete during installation.
• Provisioning: This new option is for the Enterprise version of Windows 10. Packages can be installed on corporate devices containing specific applications, policies, and other data deemed necessary by the business.
• Business Store and Universal Apps: Developers only need to create one application that will work across all Windows 10 devices to create a consistent user experience. The Business Store will have apps that can adjust itself automatically based on screen size and user behavior and can offer comprehensive payment options.

The Windows 10 edition for companies will provide:

• Windows 10 Enterprise for the highest level of functionality. Flexible management of all applications, devices, and the OS. Corporate customers benefit from the "Long Term Servicing Branch" and can upgrade 10 Enterprise as part of "Windows Software Assurance".
• Windows 10 Education: Based on Windows 10 Enterprise as an edition for teachers, students, and employees in educational institutions.
• Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise: For smartphones, tablets, and small volume licensing. In addition to Windows 10 Mobile, this edition offers more flexible possibilities for managing updates from within the company.
• Windows 10 IoT Core: For industrial devices such as ATMs, handhelds, or factory robots.

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