In a Microsoft Open Door 2012 event in Lagos which took place yesterday, Microsoft officially launched its most anticipated operating system, the Windows 8 in Nigeria, following a similar launch in South Africa few weeks back. The first announcement of its launch was way back in February at the GSMA World conference 2012
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.
At the event, Kevin Conolly,Windows Business Group Manager, Microsoft Africa called on indigenous app makers to develop more content on the store which accepts payments from Visa and Mastercards issued from Nigerian banks. Already, two of Nigerian banks – Diamond Bank and First Bank – have a downloadable app on the Microsoft store.
Conolly also indicated that over 50 percent of all the companies in Africa run on the Windows 7 operating system and urged enterprises to adopt the cloud-enabled Windows 8. According to him, the Windows 7 which was launched in October 2009, is the all-time highest selling operating system. The OS has sold 690 million licenses till date; more volumes than all iPhones and iPads ever sold.