DoD Signs Windows 8 Licensing Deal

MSP-IT

Looks as if the department of defense has jumped on the Windows 8 bandwagon.

A $600 million dollar contract with Microsoft has been signed for the utilization of Office 2013, SharePoint 2013 and Windows 8.

Defense.gov News Article: DOD Awards First Joint Licensing Agreement

US Department of Defense signs three-year, $617 million Windows 8 licensing deal

SephStorm

not a surprise, I really dont think it is possible for DoD to go to a non Microsoft solution.

tpatt100

I thought I read they are using Windows 8 as part of the new "enhanced interrogation" methods.

N2IT

Thanks for sharing the article. Interesting

the_Grinch

I agree the overhaul of all their equipment alone would more the justify the continued use of Microsoft products. Really isn't a viable alternative for them at this stage in the game...

higherho

You would be surprised, this effort is also in conjunction to reduce over all costs and the DoD has been obopting Linux for a lot of their enterprise level applications.

SephStorm

I really would be suprised.

Roguetadhg

tpatt100 wrote: »

I thought I read they are using Windows 8 as part of the new "enhanced interrogation" methods.

I see it now:

"I don't know how to get out of the blocks! Oh Shi- Please stop! Im lost in the maze of colored blocks and I don't know how things work! The confusion is unbearable! How do I get the start button!! I'll tell you everything!!" Better than old Chinese water-drop torture.

astorrs

Translation:

"For the umpteenth year in a row, just like most large enterprises, the DOD has once again renewed their Enterprise Agreement (EA) with Microsoft for another 3 years."

Doesn't necessarily mean they'll be deploying Windows 8.

jdballinger

Oh they'll be deploying it. Sooner rather than later if I had to guess. I give it 9 months before it's ready to go, out before the first service pack I bet.

instant000

Not sure if it matters to any of you, but there's been a draft STIG for Windows 8 out since 12/7.

STIGs Master List (A to Z)

So, this has obviously been in the works for quite some time.

higherho

Its going to take some time to become final and I don't see anyone in DISA moving to Windows 8 any time soon.

powerfool

jdballinger wrote: »

Oh they'll be deploying it. Sooner rather than later if I had to guess. I give it 9 months before it's ready to go, out before the first service pack I bet.

I am glad I wasn't drinking anything. I would be surprised if they didn't have widespread XP within the next two years...

gunbunnysoulja

Going to be far off for a lot of agencies. The Army organization my company supports JUST went to Windows 7 last week.

bermovick

The images we use at FLW are mostly windows 7 anymore, although we still have a handful of XP ones.