BranchCache is also not new to Windows 8, but makes a compelling case for businesses to choose Windows 8 Enterprise. BranchCache boosts performance and minimizes network bandwidth consumption by enabling PCs to cache files, websites, and other content, then share it locally in a peer-to-peer fashion so it isn't redundantly downloaded across the WAN.

These are just a few of the capabilities that are unique to Windows 8 Enterprise. Windows 8 Pro is far superior to Windows 8, but far short of Windows 8 Enterprise, and the features included in Windows 8 Enterprise are crucial features businesses need. Microsoft should eliminate Windows 8, offer Windows 8 Pro as the consumer version, and make Windows 8 Enterprise the default for businesses.

According to the earlier Microsoft blog post, Windows 8 Enterprise is reserved for customers with Software Assurance licensing agreements. However, includes perpetual licensing for Windows, and the current version is Windows 7 Enterprise so it seems reasonable to assume SMBs will have access to Windows 8 Enterprise as well .