Windows on ARM poses unique challenges, benefits

Windows 8 on ARM will be one more thing that IT departments have to familiarize themselves with in the array of mobile devices that employees use for work. Microsoft recently announced it would release Windows 8 and future versions of the operating system on ARM processors for mobile devices and tablets, alongside traditional x86 processors from Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. for PCs and laptops.

Experts agree that it could be several years before enterprise customers feel the full effects of Microsoft's decision. It's not too early, however, to begin contemplating what this change could mean for IT, since applications written for x86 processors won't run on ARM processors and vice versa.

"Any time there is a complete turnover of architecture technology, there's a significant risk with reliability and stability," said Eugene Alfaro, director of IT engineering services at Cornerstone Technologies, an IT solutions provider in San Jose, Calif. "IT organizations don't get fired for not answering the phone. They get fired when the computers don't turn on," he added.

The Windows 8 sea change
Microsoft said publicly in December that the Windows 8 beta will be available this month. When it does hit, Windows 8 will significantly change the traditional Windows interface for the first time. Windows 95 isn't that much different from Windows 7, after all.

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Tags: analysis