Windows 8.1—previously known by its code name “Windows Blue—is a major update for the Windows 8 operating system, and it will include a number of features that should render the operating system more appealing to business customers and IT admins.

Although Microsoft isn’t calling it a service pack, the scope and timing of Windows 8.1 are similar to what we’ve come to expect from a Service Pack 1 update: It “fixes” bugs and issues with the original OS, and it adds new features and capabilities that users have asked for.

Despite claims that Windows 8 is some sort of albatross around the neck of the PC industry, Microsoft’s flagship operating system has achieved sales on par with its predecessor. The real test, though, is Microsoft’s business customers. Enterprise customers don’t just buy an operating system, they purchase thousands, or tens of thousands of licenses for an operating system.

Microsoft acknowledges the importance of its business customers by making Windows 8.1 significantly better for business—both from the user and IT admin perspective. Here are five reasons businesses should take a close look at the new OS:

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