The different versions of Windows Vista that is commonly publicized and compared upon are Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate. Fortunately there is another version of Windows Vista called the Enterprise edition which is a super set of Windows Vista Business aimed for developers, IT managers, architects and IT decision makers.

Protection

The enterprise edition provides a higher level of data protection through its hardware-based encryption technology. Compatibility of applications is wider than most versions given the importance of enabling organizations with single worldwide deployment.

Enterprise edition also has Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption which protects data from a lost computer ensuring safety for the organization.

Availability

Windows Enterprise is only available through Volume Licensing covered by Microsoft’s Software Assurance. Customers with MSA have the option to get subscription licenses for Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.

Benefits

Because of wider application compatibilities (like availability of Windows Authentication for IIS) and wider support for developer tools, organizations have better management and control of desktop organizations which leads to cost reductions for migration, deployment and upgrade.

Deep Compatibility

The enterprise edition is compatible with a large number of applications as well as with UNIX operating systems. It also enables you to run four virtual operating system sessions. The version also includes Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications which simplifies the process of combining Windows and UNIX functions into one box.

SoftGrid is a powerful tool used for application virtualization can also run on enterprise Vista.

Multi-language support

Windows Vista Enterprise has the capability to hold an interface language that controls the display depending on the language used by the user. All available interface language is included in Windows Vista Enterprise which simplifies deployment of large scale organizations.