A survey of 973 tech professionals, conducted in October by InformationWeek, has found Windows 8 to be on the radar of many IT departments. Despite not being available until sometime in 2012, just over half of respondents say that their organization has definite plans to upgrade to Windows 8. About 10 percent of these indicated that the move will be on an "as needed" basis, as older computers get phased out. 

The fact that Windows 8 implements an advanced technique to use less memory could have a role to play in the favorable responses, as with assurance by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) that Windows 8 will not require a new PC. Of interest too would be Microsoft's decision to build a touch-based GUI in addition to the traditional desktop interface. (To find out more about Windows 8, check out a slideshow of the top 8 features to expect from Windows 8 here.)

Interestingly, about a third of survey takers indicated that the main reason for upgrading to Windows 8 is the end of support for Windows XP in 2014. Microsoft has long tried to get businesses off Windows XP, though our readers in the past has pointed to the need for legacy compatibility and the absence of any compelling reason to upgrade as factors that worked against a swift transition. Do note however that Microsoft has previously urged consumers and businesses not to wait for the arrival of Windows 8 before upgrading their Windows XP machine.

Does your company have plans to upgrade to Windows 8 when it is released? Drop me an email, or comment below.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at InformationWeek
- check out this article at CNET News

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SLIDESHOW: Top 8 features to expect from Windows 8
Windows 8 will run on less memory
Windows 8 won't require new PC, says Microsoft