By: Thomas G. Stephens Jr., CPA, CITP
Blog Series: Part 2 of 3

Windows 8 is a Substantial Player for Businesses

Though shunned by some upon its initial release, Windows 8^® and Windows 8.1^® are really beginning to shine for many individuals and businesses. Designed to be “dual-personality” operating systems, they allow users to work the way that they want—in touchscreen mode, classic mouse and keyboard mode, or both at the same time!

Beyond user-interface changes, you will likely find these operating systems to be faster and more secure than prior versions. Coupled with innovative features such as Windows To Go^®, Picture Passwords^®, and the ability to search your computer and the Internet simultaneously, Microsoft’s latest release of Windows is one that you should not ignore in business environments, particularly if you are considering how to replace existing Windows XP^® computers in your organization.

Touchscreen Devices are not Fads

Most accounting and financial professionals today carry a smartphone and/or tablet that includes a touchscreen; increasingly, desktop and laptop computers offer touchscreens as options. If you use a touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet, wouldn’t you want the same level of convenience to manipulate your desktop or laptop computer?

Touchscreen devices—including desktop and laptop computers—are mainstream computing tools today, and viewing them as fads may be robbing you and your team of substantial opportunities for increased productivity. For example, consider the restaurant industry, the next time you visit a restaurant, notice the prevalence of touchscreen-enabled point-of-sale terminals in these establishments. Even in these high-volume environments, touchscreen devices have proven their worth. Is it time that you consider touchscreens in your organization, particularly if Windows 8/8.1 is in your future?

Note

Every individual and every organization is different. As such, not all of the technologies described in this article will prove to be useful to all readers. However, you should keep a close eye on each of the items mentioned and carefully consider whether implementing one or more of these technologies will prove to be beneficial.

Mr. Stephens is a shareholder in K2 Enterprises, where he develops and presents continuing professional education programs to accounting, financial, and other business professionals across North America. You may contact him at [email protected].