UPDATED 01:02 EDT / APRIL 07 2017

CLOUD

Enterprises can now sign up to Microsoft’s Windows Insider program

Microsoft Corp. has finally opened up its Windows Insider program for information technology departments that want to test new features in its software ahead of time.

The company said the Windows Insider Program for Business enables companies to try out upcoming releases of its Windows 10 operating system in workplace test environments before they’re made available to the wider public.

The Windows Insider Program has been around for several years, but until now it has been focused on developers and so-called “power users.” The idea is that this select group of users can provide feedback on any new features so Microsoft can iron out any issues before they’re officially released.

But the latest Insider program is the first that’s open to companies. Microsoft said it hopes that by allowing IT departments to test Insider builds, new features can be better tested with enterprise applications and software tools before they’re rolled out automatically as updates.

“Incorporating Insider Preview Builds into your deployment plans enables you to prepare your organization for the next update of Windows 10, to deploy new services and tools more quickly, to help secure your applications, and to increase productivity and confidence in the stability of your environment,” Microsoft said when introducing the service. “We’ll also help you deepen your connections with the IT Pro community, collect feedback within your organization, and resolve blocking or critical issues to better support your organization’s needs sooner.”

Microsoft announced it was going to introduce the service during its Ignite Conference in February. In order to take part, company administrators will need to sign up with their Azure Active Directory credentials. Builds will presumably start shipping once Microsoft begins testing its next big feature update, codenamed Redstone 3, ahead of its scheduled release later this fall.

Image: Mohanraj Durairaj/Flickr.com

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