Microsoft held the Microsoft ReImagined summit in Auckland this week, discussing the changing work environments and the newly released Windows 8.

The software manufacturer invited IT professionals across the industry to the Viaduct Events Centre for the half-day session, telling the audience:

"Workers are increasingly influencing the technology they use at work.

"This trend puts high expectations on IT administrators to keep their users productive and secure anytime, anywhere, across a broad range of devices.

"Windows 8 is great for business because it delivers the experiences people love and the enterprise-grade capabilities that IT departments need.

"With the power and familiarity of the desktop, new ways for users to interact with line of business Windows Store apps, and support for more mobile form factors, Windows 8 is the ideal solution for businesses.

"Along with the end-to-end security features and manageability enhancements, Windows 8 can help your employees be more productive and help keep your data more secure."

Improving on Windows 7 fundamentals such as speed, reliability and security, Microsoft says Windows 8 "works seamlessly with an existing Windows management infrastructure.

Key points included:

• A better business tablet: With Windows 8 tablets, Microsoft says users can enjoy convenience and mobility benefits in addition ti the familiarity and productivity benefits of Windows.

• New possibilities for mobile productivity: Windows 8 "provides expanded connectivity options for mobile users, allowing them to be productive practically anywhere.

• Enhanced end-to-end security: "Providing enterprise-class security capabilities that keep clients more secure against malware intrusion", Microsoft says Windows 8 is better protected with data encryption.

• Manageability and virtualization advancements: Enhancements to manageability and virtualization features help IT administrators manage their client PCs according to Microsoft.

For more information click here

What do you think of the new Windows 8? Tell us your thoughts below