It also remains to be seen how compelling the new Windows 8 devices will be in terms of functionality and pricing, an issue that will make or break the OS, he said.

There are questions around enterprise adoption, because most companies have either recently migrated from XP to Windows 7, or are in the process of doing so, and will likely stay on Windows 7 for several years at least before embarking on another major OS upgrade.

In a about the RTM milestone, Erwin Visser, senior director of the Windows Commercial Business Group, said Microsoft recommends that enterprises deploying Windows 7 forge ahead, but that they also simultaneously evaluate Windows 8.

"There is great compatibility between Windows 7 and Windows 8, and this will make it easier for customers to start adopting Windows 8 side-by-side with Windows 7," he wrote.

However, for customers running Windows XP or Windows Vista, and still early in their Windows 7 deployment process, Microsoft recommends they start their Windows 8 deployment planning, according to Visser.