Windows 8 Devices Deliver: Enhanced networking enables anywhere, anytime work styles. Review infographic

Transcription

1 Windows 8 Devices Deliver: Enhanced networking enables anywhere, anytime work styles Review infographic

2 Contents Executive Summary... 2 Introduction... 3 Overview... 3 Scenarios... 6 Connecting on the Go... 6 Office Productivity... 6 Network Connectivity... 8 Key Findings... 8 Network Optimization and Configuration... 9 Bandwidth Utilization... 9 Connectivity and Wireless Options Connecting on the Go Key Findings Unified Remote Access Productivity in the Office Conclusion Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 1 of 16

3 Executive Summary Anywhere, anytime working is fast becoming the new normal. According to Forrester s 2013 Mobile Adoption Trends, 29 percent of the global workforce can be characterized as anywhere, anytime, a figure that is up from 23 percent in Additionally, nearly 80 percent of workers spend at least some part of their time working outside of their office, which makes strong networking functionality more important than ever. Data access across the wide-area network, remote access, and mobile broadband usage can be expensive to manage, and inefficient network management strategies can reduce the performance of mission-critical applications. Microsoft offers a comprehensive suite of tools built in to Windows 8.1 and based on the company s long history of providing enterprise tools. These tools offer enterprisegrade optimization, customization, bandwidth utilization, seamless remote access, and productivity features. These tools give IT administrators greater ability to control their networks and a single pane of glass from which to control all of them, while providing convenience and productivity for users by helping them get what they need, wherever they are. Apple s platforms support third-party tools that are similar to the features built in to the Windows 8.1 platform. However, introducing third-party vendor solutions can increase the complexity and cost of your deployment. ios in particular does not offer these features natively, requiring administrators to implement third-party tools instead of using the features and functionality that come built-in to Windows 8.1. For executives looking to help their employees be more productive regardless of where they are located, Windows 8.1 has the edge in enterprise networking. 1 Source: Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 2 of 16

4 Introduction This paper compares the features of Windows 8 devices to similar features in ios 7 and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion devices. The Apple products have been researched using publicly-available information. Similarly, the Windows 8.1 information also primarily comes from the public domain. This document is intended to be a feature-level deep dive into comparing the key networking features of three competing operating systems: Windows 8.1, ios 7, and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. The purpose of this comparison is to provide a view of the competitive landscape as it relates to networking. The audience for this document is technical and business decision makers, as well as subject-matter experts. Overview This document examines the networking features of Windows 8 devices and how they compare to the networking features used by ios and OS X devices. The following table summarizes the areas that will be examined, and how Windows 8.1 compares to the two Apple platforms: Networking Areas Network optimization and configuration Bandwidth Utilization Windows 8.1 versus OS X and ios Microsoft s Quality of Service (QoS) software suite offers enterprise-grade optimization capability that Apple s Profile Manager and Apple Server for OS X and ios do not match outof-the-box, as they require third-party vendor implementation to achieve the same feature set. The level of customization and security provided by QoS gives IT administrators and business decision makers (BDM) better value on enterprise deployments, while the ios tools are built around small deployments and consumer use. Microsoft s metered connections provides networking cost savings for enterprises in a bring-your-own-device scenario, especially when the users are traveling and connecting to the network through mobile data plans. Metering connections in Windows 8.1 allows users to restrict the bandwidth used, which provides savings and avoids the sticker shock of large usage bills. While OS X has a built-in Activity Manager, it does not provide detailed cost information to the user except by installing a thirdparty app. Similarly, ios does not have this feature at all except through third-party apps, which may increase the cost and complexity of your deployment. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 3 of 16

5 Networking Areas Connectivity and Wireless Options Unified Remote Access Productivity in the Office Windows 8.1 versus OS X and ios Windows 8.1 supports a number of wireless options including mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and setting up a device as a mobile hotspot. Additionally, the platform comes built-in with such productivity features as a native Miracast wireless display, nearfield communications (NFC) enabled tap-to-print, and Wi-Fi direct printing. While ios and OS X both support mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and other standard methods of wired and wireless connectivity, the configurability and support for IPv6 that Windows 8.1 has makes Microsoft s offering more attractive to IT administrators and enterprise executives. Windows 8.1 supports in-box virtual private network (VPN) clients for third-party providers as well as Microsoft s own client, which allows vendors to work directly with Microsoft to include their VPN functionality right out-of-the-box. Additionally, the usability of the client has improved with the auto-triggered VPN feature. This pops up a prompt for VPN credentials when a user visits a site that requires them, instead of telling the user the site cannot be reached. Microsoft s DirectAccess provides increased flexibility and IT control when compared to Apple s virtual private network (VPN) on Demand by connecting the user anytime they have an Internet connection. While both services provide automatic corporate network access from Internet locations, DirectAccess allows IT administrators to keep remote systems up-to-date as well as monitor and enforce policy compliance. BranchCache in Windows 8.1 allows users to spend more time working, and less time waiting. It works by storing corporate data at locally branch office sites, instead of requiring connection over the wide-area network to the main servers. This helps reduce bandwidth costs at branch offices, and increase connection speed for users. Work Folders provides users the ability to access their files from anywhere by syncing directly to the users devices. Apple s ios and OS X do not include a similar feature to either BranchCache or WorkFolders built-in, and would require thirdparty software to gain similar functionality. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 4 of 16

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7 Scenarios The following scenarios demonstrate some of the key features compared in this document. Connecting on the Go Kate is a professional working for a small business. As such, she is constantly heading from meeting to meeting, trying to get her work done anywhere a connection is available. Since she is using Windows 8 devices, she has better access to all of her required files with DirectAccess. Anywhere she has a connection, she has the ability to access her corporate file-share, intranet, and other resources, and she is also protected by her IT department even when not directly connected. DirectAccess allows IT administrators to push updates to users any time they are connected to the Internet. Beverly is another professional, using an ios device. While her tablet supports thirdparty VPN technologies, VPN on Demand requires her to provide credentials, and does not allow her IT department to automatically make security updates to her device, leaving her potentially vulnerable to phishing attacks. One evening, Kate is in a hotel after attending a conference with several colleagues. The hotel s wireless network is down, but she has a 4G signal on her Windows 8 device. She sets it up for wireless tethering, which broadcasts a wireless signal that her colleagues can connect to. Kate designates the connection as metered, which limits the amount of data that will be transferred by downloading low-resolution pictures and video when available, and halting any Windows updates. Windows 8.1 also helps her to track the amount of bandwidth she is using on this connection as well as the potential cost through her service provider, helping her avoid sticker shock. Beverly finds herself in a similar circumstance, and her ios 7 device allows her to set up wireless tethering. However, to achieve the same level of connecting tracking that Windows 8.1 s metered connections provides, her IT department would have to set up software through a third-party vendor, which can increase the cost and complexity of a deployment. When Kate arrives at the office after the conference, her device automatically switches to the work network, based on the preferred network. Windows 8.1 automatically connects to the less expensive networks, giving priority to Wi-Fi over mobile broadband, for example. DirectAccess, Metered Connections, and the broad support for various connectivity technologies sets the Windows 8.1 platform apart as a powerful enterprise tool. Office Productivity Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 6 of 16

8 Ben is an employee at a large company, and has traveled to a new branch office that has been set up recently. The IT department has set up Windows BranchCache for this office, which stores corporate data at the office locally, instead of retrieving it from the main office s servers over the wide-area network. This provides a faster connection for Ben and his coworkers, and lowers bandwidth costs for the company. Ben is also able to set up Work Folders to maintain all of his important documents and files on the corporate network. Once set up, he can work on the latest files on the server from his Windows 8.1 tablet at home, synchronized to the device. Steve, an employee at a similar large company, works on an ipad. His company does not have a similar feature to BranchCache, which means that any connection he makes from the branch office needs to go through the wide-area network to the main office, which provides a slower connection and costs the company more in bandwidth. Additionally, The next day, Ben prepares for a presentation in another building on his company s campus by printing out slides. The printers on his campus have been set up with nearfield communication (NFC) by the IT department, which means they can automatically set up a direct connection between a device and the printer, just by tapping the tablet to the printer and accepting the pairing dialog that appears. Ben also happens to be escorting a guest who will be presenting with him, and helps him to connect to the printer using Wi-Fi direct printing, which allows him to connect directly to the printer over the Wi-Fi connection. In the meeting room, Ben uses the Miracast wireless display to connect to the projector, and is able to give his presentation directly from the tablet, instead of having to fumble with wired connections and adapter dongles. Steve s device does not offer the same productivity tools. Instead of directly connecting to a printer, he needs to find the correct printer in the directory. When presenting, he needs to connect the projector to his device with a compatible cable, instead of using a wireless connection. While this is not a major difference in terms of the extra time it takes to perform these tasks, over the course of the day a large number of people might need to do these things, which can add up quickly in terms of productivity for the enterprise. The Windows 8.1 platform offers networking and productivity tools and features that make it less expensive to manage your workers, whether they are located near the servers or far away at a branch office, and provide key conveniences for the users. Apple s platforms do not have similar technologies, and rely on third-party solutions that may increase the cost and complexity of the deployment. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 7 of 16

9 Network Connectivity Reducing cost and improving user experience on networks is important when deploying a large number of devices in an enterprise. Deploying devices installed with an operating system that can utilize client-side APIs and tools to use a server s advanced networking capability can give greater power and flexibility to IT administrators. The sections below compare Windows 8.1, ios 7, and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion based on the strength of their network management, including considerations such as: Network optimization and configuration Bandwidth utilization Access management and audit Protection of network assets Key Findings Network optimization and configuration: Microsoft s Quality of Service (QoS) software suite offers enterprise-grade optimization capability that Apple s Profile Manager and Apple Server for OS X and ios do not match. The level of customization and security provided by QoS gives IT administrators and BDMs better value on large-scale deployments. Bandwidth utilization: Microsoft s metered connections feature provides a powerful set of tools to monitor and limit network usage. Setting a connection as metered allows a user to limit the bandwidth used for Windows updates, downloads, and other network activity. While OS X has a built-in Activity Manager, it does not provide detailed cost information to the user except by installing a third-party app. Similarly, ios does not have this feature at all except through third-party apps, which may increase the cost and complexity of your deployment. Connectivity and wireless options: Windows 8.1 supports mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and setting up a device as a mobile hotspot. Additionally, the platform comes built-in with Miracast wireless display, NFC-enabled tap-to-print, and Wi- Fi direct printing. While ios and OS X both support mobile broadband, Wi-Fi, and other standard methods of wired and wireless connectivity, the configurability and support for IPv6 that Windows 8.1 has makes Microsoft s offering more attractive to IT administrators and enterprise executives. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 8 of 16

10 Network Optimization and Configuration Windows 8.1 uses QoS technologies to manage enterprise network traffic in a costeffective manner. QoS tools allow IT administrators to measure bandwidth, detect congestion or availability of bandwidth, and prioritize or throttle traffic. QoS gives IT administrators the flexibility to, for example, prioritize latency-sensitive traffic such as voice or video communications, and control the impact of latency-insensitive traffic such as bulk data transfers. Windows 8.1 comes built-in with the QoS Packet Scheduler tool, which controls packet scheduling for policy-based QoS and the traffic of QoS-enabled applications. Additionally, Windows 8.1 uses qwave to provide QoS-related software modules specifically for audio and video applications and wireless networks. The qwave feature is integrated into the QoS subsystem, and works with several Internet and network interface layer packet priority technologies. Apple s OS X offers Open Directory, which is a deployable directory and network authentication server built around Open Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (OpenLDAP). Open Directory utilizes OpenLDAP to access and maintain distributed directory information over the network using the Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC) for user authentication. Microsoft QoS technologies are designed to scale for any size enterprise, and offer powerful tools to IT administrators and executives. Apple s Server App, Profile Manager, and Open Directory offer basic network management that could be effective in smallscale deployments, but are not as scalable when considering network bandwidth optimization. Bandwidth Utilization Windows 8.1 s metered connections helps users to monitor and limit network usage. Windows 8.1 comes built-in with the ability to display estimated data usage along with any unbilled charges, and works with 3G and 4G networks that handle data charges differently from fixed broadband connections. Having this capability is a benefit for enterprise users, since it can prevent any surprises in billing for those who might be using corporate data plans while traveling. Microsoft facilitates this tool by exposing APIs for other applications to utilize. Windows Update and other Windows 8 apps can deliver content differently with the knowledge that the user is using a metered connection. For example, the user might receive lower resolution pictures, lower quality video, see reduced buffer sizes, and so forth. The effect of these policies is to reduce the usage of the metered connection. Users of ios devices have access to apps that perform a similar function, but these are delivered by third-party vendors, and may increase the cost or complexity of your deployment. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 9 of 16

11 OS X uses the Activity Manager feature to monitor network usage. While this tool displays usage in either TCP packets or data received and sent, it does not translate this usage data into the cost incurred by the user. This functionality is available with thirdparty apps, which can increase the cost and complexity of your deployment. Windows 8.1 s Metered Connections comes out-of-the-box, and provides convenience for users, control for IT administrators, and can reduce costs for executives managing traveling employees. Apple s platforms do not include this functionality without involving a third-party vendor. Connectivity and Wireless Options Windows 8.1 has a number of features related to handling wireless and wired connections, including the following: Broadband driver and tethering: This broadband driver comes out-of-the-box with Windows 8.1, allowing users to connect a SIM card or mobile device to the PC, for automatic setup. The driver is kept up-to-date with Windows Update. Windows 8.1 also supports tethering, allowing users to turn their device into a mobile hotspot. Airplane mode: Some or all of the radios, including Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, and Bluetooth can be turned completely off within the Windows 8 interface. Optimized preferred networks: Windows 8.1 maintains a list of preferred networks for the user, based on which the user explicitly disconnects and reconnects to. This includes automatically switching from a higher-cost network such as 4G to a lower-cost network such as a preferred Wi-Fi network. Support for carrier-unlocked devices: Windows 8 devices that support carrierswitching can connect to any supported network within the Windows 8 interface. Windows 8.1 will automatically identify the mobile carrier associated with the device, and allow users to purchase data plans or perform other transactions with that carrier. Support for new wireless connectivity standards: Windows 8.1 supports IPv6, Bluetooth low energy, Miracast wireless display, Wi-Fi Direct printing, NFC, and other new connectivity standards. These items are discussed more in detail in the Productivity in the Office section, below. Apple ios and OS X supports tethering, but does not include a built-in broadband driver that is updated similarly to Windows 8.1 s. The Apple platforms also support airplane mode. Neither Apple platform automatically switches the user s network based on switching from higher-cost networks to lower-cost ones. All three platforms support the major wireless option, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, and 4G. While their individual tools for managing them are different, they provide a similar feature set and are considered on par with each other. However, the productivity tools used by Windows 8.1 give Microsoft an edge in terms of helping workers to do their jobs in a more efficient manner, and neither ios nor OS X have the same comprehensive Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 10 of 16

12 set of features without involving third-party vendors, which can increase the cost and complexity of your deployment. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 11 of 16

13 Connecting on the Go With the increasing use of BYOD scenarios for users in the enterprise, providing remote access is a growing priority for businesses. Remote access allows users to connect to the corporate network and intranet over the Internet. The sections below compare Windows 8.1, ios 7, and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion based on their remote access solutions, including considerations such as: Unified remote access Connectivity and wireless options Productivity in the office Key Findings Unified remote access: Microsoft s DirectAccess provides increased flexibility and IT control when compared to Apple s VPN on Demand. While both services provide automatic corporate network access from Internet locations, DirectAccess allows IT administrators to keep remote systems up-to-date as well as monitor and enforce policy compliance. Productivity in the office: BranchCache provides users at remote offices of large enterprises shorter wait times by storing content closer to the user. Work Folders provides users the ability to access their files from anywhere. This provides executives and IT administrators the benefit of reducing bandwidth usage. Unified Remote Access Microsoft s client VPN is standards-based, and can connect to many back-end servers. Additionally, Microsoft supports auto-triggered VPN, which pops up a prompt for VPN credentials when a user visits a site that requires them, instead of telling the user the site cannot be reached. This VPN on Demand feature is more granular than Apple s offering, and allows IT administrators to finely tune the app and process whitelist. Microsoft s VPNs are supported by the InTune client, which provides IT administrators the controls to manage the network. Microsoft supports DirectAccess, which allows devices to access internal resources any time they are located on the Internet, without needing to log in to a VPN connection. DirectAccess automatically establishes a bi-directional connection from client devices to the corporate network, providing key convenience for users by not requiring them to manually connect to their enterprise network. DirectAccess grants users access to line-of-business apps and internal websites they might need for productivity, and allows IT administrators to manage remote computers outside the office, even when not connected to the VPN. In Windows Server 2012, DirectAccess and VPN function as a single, integrated server. This means that IT administrators can deploy and manage both VPN and DirectAccess from a single Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 12 of 16

14 console, providing a single integrated solution that does not require separate clients and back-ends. OS X provides a VPN client, and also supports VPN on Demand. This feature is similar to DirectAccess in some ways, as it establishes a corporate network connection automatically when accessing predefined domains. The functionality of this tool can be configured through a Configuration Profile, or manually on the device by the user. VPN on Demand is supported only for configurations using certificate-based authentication. Additionally, support is specific to certain domains as controlled by the IT administrator. Users of ios devices can use a built-in VPN client, and third-party applications are also supported. Given that all three platforms use Internet-standard protocols for their builtin VPN clients, there is no notable difference between them. However, Microsoft s DirectAccess provides IT administrators better control over remote systems, helping to keep them patched, up-to-date, and monitored for policy compliance, which are features that Apple s VPN On Demand does not include. Productivity in the Office BranchCache downloads files, apps, and other content from the wide area network (WAN) and stores it locally as cached data. Client machines can then access this local cached data, instead of downloading it across the WAN repeatedly, which reduces WAN usage, improves access speed of cached content, and improves performance for users in remote offices. To protect this cache, Windows 8.1 includes cache encryption. Data de-duplication technology reduces the number of times that the same data needs to be transmitted, as well. BranchCache scales from small offices to large enterprises by supporting any number of hosted cache servers at a given location. An additional productivity feature for Windows 8.1 is Work Folders. This tool allows IT administrators to set up a folder on the corporate server called a sync share, which will automatically sync on all of a user s devices. This helps users get access to their files from work, from home, in BYOD scenarios, or a combination of all of these. Windows 8.1 introduces several other productivity enhancements, as well: NFC tap-to-pair printing: By attaching an NFC tag to an existing printer, users can tap their Windows 8.1 device against it to directly connect and print. Wi-Fi direct printing: Users can connect directly to Wi-Fi printers, without the need for additional drivers or software. This forms a direct peer-to-peer connection between the device and the printer. Native Miracast wireless display: Windows 8.1 supports Miracast out-of-thebox. Miracast is a peer-to-peer wireless screencast standard that facilitates easy pairing over Wi-Fi, helping users project their work wire-free. Workplace Join: Windows 8.1 allows users to enroll their own devices in the corporate network. Once registered, IT can manage their network access and help Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 13 of 16

15 to maintain security and company policies. This, in combination with Work Folders, allows personal and work activities to remain separated. IT controls the company s assets but does not control the personal assets. Neither Apple platform have features comparable to these built-in, but third-party solutions may be able to address that gap. BranchCache helps decrease the cost of bandwidth at remote offices, and Work Folders helps to improve productivity for workers in BYOD scenarios. The new Windows 8.1 features offer easy solutions to common office problems. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 14 of 16

16 Conclusion With the increase in BYOD and anywhere, anytime work styles, enterprises need to have smart and efficient networking tools to keep up. Microsoft s comprehensive suite of tools for Windows 8 and 8.1 offer enterprise-grade optimization, customization, bandwidth utilization, and productivity features that give IT administrators greater ability to control their networks, and provides convenience and productivity for users by helping them get what they need, wherever they are. Microsoft offers a comprehensive suite of tools built in to Windows 8.1 and based on the company s long history of providing enterprise tools. These tools offer enterprisegrade optimization, customization, bandwidth utilization, seamless remote access, and productivity features. These tools give IT administrators greater ability to control their networks and a single pane of glass from which to control all of them, while providing convenience and productivity for users by helping them get what they need, wherever they are. Microsoft offers several features, such as DirectAccess, native Miracast wireless display support, NFC tap-to-print, QoS technologies, and BranchCache which are not offered by Apple. Apple s platforms support third-party tools that are similar to the some of the features built in to the Windows 8.1 platform. However, introducing third-party vendor solutions can increase the complexity and cost of your deployment. ios in particular does not offer these features natively, requiring administrators to implement third-party tools instead of using the features and functionality that come built-in to Windows 8.1. For executives looking to help their employees be more productive regardless of where they are located, Windows 8.1 has the edge in enterprise networking. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 15 of 16

17 Presented By: Logic20/20 Writer: Justin Bright Contributors: Marius Marcu, Anders Westby, Emily Winans, Bill Tsang, Adam Hall, Craig Ashley, Abhishek Tiwari Date: Fall 2013 This paper includes research gathered as of October 1, 2013 regarding Windows 8.1, ios 7, and OS X Logic20/20, Inc. acknowledges the support of Microsoft Corporation, which made possible some of the research presented in this white paper. Publicly available sources were also used as research and are cited in the paper. This white paper is for informational purposes only. The information contained in this document is deemed reliable at the time of writing, but is not guaranteed. Logic20/20, Inc. MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT. Without limiting any rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express prior written permission of Logic20/20, Inc. Logic20/20 and the Logic20/20 logo are trademark(s) of Logic20/20, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners Logic20/20, Inc. All rights reserved. Logic20/20, Inc. 2013, all rights r eserved. Page 16 of 16