Overall, most commentators and analysts do agree that Windows 8 shifts the focus from technology to business and IT strategy.

Distribution Central managing director, Nick Verykios, said, "You would expect the conversations to mature into business strategy rather with a typical technology upgrade or migration discussion. Technology conversations are now quite boring."

Channel businesses thinking about the Windows 8 proposition, whether already on board or not, must recognise the benefits at hand. Channel Dynamics director, Moheb Moses, highlighted four key opportunities for the channel:

1. Mobility: Microsoft is the first vendor to create an operating environment that runs across the desktop, notebook, tablet, and smartphone. Businesses therefore have the ability to produce a single solution/application that can be applied across a multitude of devices. This ignites the concept of true mobility and anytime/anywhere accessibility.