The tried and true desktop PC now has 30 years under its belt. Most of those years have been spent with a loyal companion: the Microsoft Windows operating system, which debuted way back in 1985. These days, however, the PC seems passé, and new platforms like tablets, smartphones, and the cloud have long since begun encroaching on the erstwhile alpha’s territory.

And whither Windows? With Windows 8, Microsoft appears ready to make a significant leap, describing it as the most innovative release since Windows 95. Likely the most daring aspect of the transition is how Windows 8 will run not just on PCs, but on netbooks, tablets, and Windows phones, as well. Just a few of the new features include an app store, a touch interface, and tiles in place of windows. An alpha version – or the “third milestone” in Microsoft-speak – is currently available, and the first beta is expected to follow this fall.

For more SAP.info insight into the innovations in Windows 8, its chances of being a hit, and when the final version will be released, simply read on.