By Emeka Aginam
At the open door event held Tuesday in Lagos, the software giant, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8, a wide range of apps available on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets to its customers and partners in Nigeria.
With the arrival of the solution across the globe, there will now be new offers, apps and range of hardware options offers choice and opportunity for customers.
This followed the global launch, which took place recently both at international and regional level as local consumers and businesses were able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer.
Accordingly, Microsoft's open door events serve to address the demand for more spaces in which African technology professionals are able to experience the latest-generation technologies first-hand, exchange ideas, build skills, and network with their local IT community and Microsoft technology experts.
With its availability for download in over 140 markets and 37 languages, over 40 different devices from several Multinational vendors & Local equipment Manufacturers are now available at more than 50 different retail stores across the country, including Hub Media Media stores, Park N shop retail stores, Westgate retail stores, among others.
In a press conference to announce the launch, Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Emmanuel Onyeje said with excitement that the arrival of the solution will herald a new era in the global IT ecosystem.
"With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world. Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.
"Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for our business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker." he explained.
Speaking about their participation at this year's event, Olaide Akisanya, General Manager, Ha-Shem Network Service Limited said, "Windows 8 is an excellent product, it empowers our customers work force by enhancing their business productivity, makes them work smarter and better. They can view the world at their palm once they have installed on their devices. It gives customers an eagle eye view of the world."
Similarly, launching at the same time was a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices.
For one thing, Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
In addition to the range of new devices available, consumers, Microosft informed can also upgrade their existing PCs.
Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, the software giant further added were qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $39.99 (U.S.).
In addition, Microsoft added that eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) with the Windows upgrade offer.
At the event that attracted capacity audience, some of the Open Door sessions were dedicated to Office 15, SQL Server 2012 and Visual Studio 2012, with the aim of helping companies leverage their existing IT investments and skills.
Attendees were able to experience these technologies first-hand, share ideas and advance their skills as well as network with their local IT community and senior Microsoft technology experts.
Microsoft’s network of partners across Nigeria include local developers who build software products for local businesses to deploy solutions based on Microsoft technology, further helping to drive local innovation, growth and competitiveness through continued investment in the local IT economy.
By equipping local businesses with the tools to develop local technology solutions, Microsoft is helping to give this vital growth engine vitality and long-term sustainability through valuable skills and new jobs.
