The official name of the next version of Windows client is Windows 8, and it will be available in four versions, announced Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's Windows Communications Manager. The operating system will come in three primary editions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT, and a fourth edition, Windows Enterprise, for large enterprises who buy in bulk.

In a post on the Windows Team Blog on April 16, LeBlanc detailed the three versions of Windows 8, which are actually four versions with the Windows 8 Enterprise edition included. The blog post offers a detailed chart, describing the key features of each Windows 8 edition.

"Windows 8 has the flexibility you need - whether you're on an x86/64 or a WOA PC," wrote LeBlanc. "You can use a touch screen or a keyboard and mouse - and switch anytime. It's beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware. And you'll love browsing through the Windows Store and downloading all the apps you want. And those apps can work together too so you can share photos, maps, contacts, links and whatever else you want faster and easier. All editions of Windows 8 offer a non-compromise experience."

The version simply called Windows 8 is designed for home users, and will include an updated Windows Explorer, Task manager, enhanced multi-monitor support and "the ability to switch languages on the fly," which was previously available only in Enterprise/Ultimate editions. LeBlanc added that a local language-only edition of Windows 8 will be available for China and "a small set of select emerging markets."

The Windows Pro version is designed to offer tech enthusiasts and tech/business professionals a wider set of Windows 8 technologies, and "it includes all the features in Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity," according to LeBlanc. Windows Media Center, however, will not be included, but will be available for purchase separately, as a "media pack" add-on to Windows 8 Pro.

Windows on ARM, or WOA, is now called Windows RT, and comes as the newest member of the Windows family. "This single edition will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors and will help enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life," said LeBlanc. The Windows RT edition will offer touch-optimized versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

When it comes to the fourth version, the Windows 8 Enterprise edition comes as a footnote to LeBlanc's post. "As with previous editions of windows, we will also have an edition of Windows 8 specifically for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements," wrote LeBlanc. In addition to all the features of Windows 8 Pro, the Enterprise edition also includes features to enable PC management and deployment, virtualization, advanced security, new mobility scenarios and more such options for IT organizations.

(reported by Alexandra Burlacu, edited by Dave Clark)