What should business expect from Windows 8? Do they even want it? Do IT decision-makers believe the OS will provide them with additional features that will improve their business operations? We can’t fully know the answer until Windows 8 launches in October, although more will be revealed when volume-license subscribers get access to the software early next month.

For now, here is what we do know: Version 8 is a sharp break from the existing Windows brand of operating systems. That brand has been around since the DOS-days. Microsoft is striking out in new ways that will push the OS technology in new directions. Many businesses won't want to follow.

Microsoft Corp. and Perceptive Pixel (PPI) on Monday announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire PPI, a leader in research, development and production of large-scale, multi-touch display solutions.

“The acquisition of PPI allows us to draw on our complementary strengths, and we’re excited to accelerate this market evolution. PPI’s large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration,” said Kurt DelBene, president, office division for Microsoft.

One thing Apple fans know about Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer – he once mock-stomped an employee’s iPhone to oblivion at a company meeting. Ballmer also stated that he wouldn’t let his kids use an iPod (or any Apple or Google offering for that matter).

Now, with a story in a national glossy magazine excoriating his management style, claiming Microsoft has lost its ability to innovate and coming on the heels of a huge ($6.3 billion!) write-off of its Internet ad business, Ballmer remains …  well, Ballmer.

Windows 8, the next major upgrade of Microsoft's operating system for PCs, tablets and laptops, will be released to manufacturers in August and will ship commercially in October, the company announced on Monday.

Microsoft had previously said that the OS would be commercially available before the end of the year but hadn't given a firm shipping date.

When Windows 8 is released to manufacturers (RTM), Microsoft will also activate the Windows Store and start charging for applications, which during the test period have been free, the company announced at its Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto.