ARM Technology for Windows 8 Draws Criticism

PUBLISHED: Mar 04 2012 @ 11:28 | Comments (0) | More info about Lou Gutheil

Microsoft’s Windows on ARM Holdings (LSE:ARM) technology (WoA) for Windows 8 has begun to draw criticism from some observers subsequent to the release of the “Windows 8 Consumer Preview Product Guide for Business” with headlines such as “Windows 8 Tablets Could Be Risky Business” It should be noted that the criticism does not appear to be aimed directly at the ARM technology, but towards the manner in which Microsoft has chosen to deploy it.

The Cause of the Criticism

All of the criticism is directed at a single paragraph on page 6 of the “Windows 8 Consumer Preview Product Guide for Business”. That paragraph says:

“ARM-based tablets running Windows 8 are ideal for workers who are constantly on the go and need a long-lasting battery. ARM-based tablets use less power than 32-bit and 64-bit devices and workers can rely on the extended uptime of these devices. Although the ARM-based version of Windows does not include the same manageability features that are in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, businesses can use these power-saving devices in unmanaged environments.”

What the Critics Are Saying

The focus of the criticism, at least in part, is on the terminology “unmanaged environments”. Information Week questioned, “What responsible CIO is going to allow his IT department to deploy a fleet of tablets to workers for use in an “unmanaged environment”.” IT World observed that “Organizations looking to deploy Windows 8 on ARM-based devices will have to do so without being able to manage them.” Akin to the manageability issue is the WoA does not have complete compatibility with Microsoft legacy applications, which would also make Windows 8 less desirable for businesses. Users of WoA equipped devices will be able to run only built-in apps preloaded onto the device. Finally, there is the question, as yet unanswered, as to how Microsoft’s decision to offer both an ARM-based and an Intel-based version of Windows 8 will affect the product’s salability, as one version appears to offer stronger enterprise tools and security (Intel) while the other (ARM) will offer longer battery life and superior performance characteristics.

Company Spotlight

ARM Holdings designs, licences, and supplies intellectual property semiconductors for semiconductor and system companies

According to their website, “ARM designs the technology that is at the heart of advanced digital products.” The company supplies the rapidly expanding high tech digital and wireless industry with a range of products that includes microprocessors, video engines, enabling software, high-speed connectivity hardware, cell libraries, embedded memories, and peripherals.

References
↑ Official company history
↑ Information Week
↑ IT Pro Portal
↑ Microsoft.com
↑ IT World
↑ International Business Times
↑ Official company information

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