Windows 8 and its companion devices have finally arrived

There has been much talk around the blogosphere over the last few days about Apple, thanks to their iPad mini event earlier this week, but today is all about Microsoft as it marks the launch of Windows 8 and its new smartphone and tablet. Unlike its Cupertino-based competition, which loves secrecy, this date has been known and expected for some time.

Apple’s iPad has been at the top of the tablet market for awhile. While many competitors have put out similar devices, the Surface RT tablet could be the first real competition. Some experts have even proclaimed that the arrival of Windows 8 marks the end of the tablet era and brings about the touch PC era.

This is the case because of one of the biggest things that Windows 8 is promoting – its cross platform capabilities. The platform is available in PC, phone and tablet form. Microsoft is calling their mobile devices the first true, full PC experience on a tablet device.

This all leads to more devices that could become part of a company’s bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategy. Already a part of many businesses future plans, Windows 8 is now making IT decision-makers’ jobs even harder. Choosing which devices to implement takes proper planning. NBC’s Chicago affiliate dove into why caution much be taken.

“What companies gain in convenience and extra cash can be lost in poor control and flimsy policy,” said Wolinsky. “it’s easy to see how even the best intentions can lead to a serious security breach or aggravating compatibility problems.”

With companies sifting through a pile of tablets and smartphones, finding the right one can be difficult. Businesses that partner with an IT consulting firm like CTI Technology can ensure they deploy the best solution.

There has been much talk around the blogosphere over the last few days about Apple, thanks to their iPad mini event earlier this week, but today is all about Microsoft as it marks the launch of Windows 8 and its new smartphone and tablet.