In recent years, there has been a significant paradigm shift in the way applications are developed, deployed, and maintained on Windows platforms. A discussion on the distinctions between Windows Store apps (commonly referred to as Universal Windows Platform or UWP applications) and traditional desktop (Win32) software is warranted.
Key questions for discussion include:
How do the packaging, deployment mechanisms, and update processes of these two types of applications differ from a system administration perspective?
What are the security implications of the sandboxed environment used by Windows Store apps compared to the broader system access typically granted to traditional desktop applications?
Considering the API differences, to what extent do the modern Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs limit or enhance the functionality available to developers relative to the larger set of legacy Win32 APIs?
In terms of user experience and application lifecycle management across various device types (desktop, tablet, and embedded systems), how do the two deployment models perform, and what trade-offs are inherent to each?
How does the Windows Store ecosystem’s certification and review process impact application quality and security as compared to the distribution channels used by conventional software vendors?
A comprehensive analysis of these points would benefit system architects, developers, and IT administrators involved in the planning and management of Windows environments. Insights into best practices for integrating both types of applications within enterprise scenarios would also be valuable.
