Unlike previous editions of Windows, with Windows 8 Microsoft has simplified their product stack with only two versions of the new OS for consumer x86 systems and one for ARM-based devices. A third x86 editions will target the enterprise.
Microsoft has taken much flak over the years for complicating their Windows product stack with more editions of each OS than some would argue are necessary. Take Windows 7, for example. Disregarding a myriad of regional versions, there are six editions of Windows 7—Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Each edition has a different feature set and target price point. Although the vast majority of computers sold at retail came with Windows 7 Professional, Home Premium, or Ultimate, the sheer number of options can be confusing for less savvy consumers.With Windows 8, however, Microsoft will revamp their strategy and offer only two versions for consumer desktops and a single version for ARM-based tablets. In a post on the Windows Team Blog, Brandon LeBlanc, Communications Manager, has revealed the feature sets and naming conventions for the upcoming Windows 8 launch. From the post, “Today I would like to share information with you on the editions that will be available for 
“Windows 8” when it is released to market. We have talked about Windows 8 as Windows reimagined, from the chipset to the user experience. This also applies to the editions available – we have worked to make it easier for customers to know what edition will work best for them when they purchase a new Windows 8 PC or upgrade their existing PC.”The two consumer editions of Windows 8 for x86/x64 based computers will be the aptly named Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. These two editions of the OS differ in a few key ways. According to the post, Windows 8 Pro will allow for upgrades from some editions of Windows 7, whereas Windows 8 (non Pro) will not allow upgrade installations. Windows 8 Pro will also support Device encryption, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, Boot from VHD, Client Hyper-V, Domain Join, Encrypting File System, Group Policy and Remote Desktop (host). Other than those features though, the OSes are identical. A third edition of Windows 8 for enterprise customers is also planned, but will only be offered to those customers with Software Assurance agreements in place. LeBlanc explains, “As with previous versions of Windows, we will also have an edition of Windows 8 specifically for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more.” The third major edition of Windows 8 is dubbed Windows RT; it will come pre-installed on ARM-based tablets and adjacent devices. It has all of the features of the standard edition of Windows 8, minus support for Storage Spaces and Windows Media Player, and anything x86/x64 specific, but with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) included. Unfortunately, that means no joining a domain for Windows RT, and as we’ve mentioned in the past, no compatibility with traditional desktop applications. According to the post, the focus for Windows RT is development on the new Windows runtime, or WinRT, which Microsoft hopes will be the foundation of a next-gen, cloud-and-touch enabled, web-connected apps.Microsoft has yet to release pricing or details on any promotions that it will make available to customers when Windows 8 ships later this year.
