Microsoft has demonstrated a pre-release version of Windows 8 shortly before the OT2 Call. It is not expected that Windows 8 will be launched formally until a few months before the end of the mission - the expected date is October 2012 - and certainly long after all Calls for Proposals have been concluded. The impact of Windows 8 on HSpot use is expected to be small. Support to Windows 8 users will be made on a "Best efforts" basis as required.