Digital lifestyle focused technology distributor, Esquire Technologies, will be the first company to release the Windows 8 operating system to the reseller channel in South Africa, said Asgar Mahomed, managing director of Esquire.

Esquire will open the doors of its Xpress Store – located at the company's headquarters in Midrand – at 00.01am on 26 October, the official launch date of the operating system.

Esquire is a Microsoft Network Member, with Mahomed saying that while the build-up to the launch of Windows 8 has been more muted than "other Microsoft launches in the past", it is a "momentous occasion" for the software giant.

"We are excited to be the first company in South Africa to be selling Windows 8 to our channel," he said.

"Windows 8 has a completely different look and feel from Microsoft. It is expected to revolutionise the hardware and software market and comes with a completely new touch-based graphic user interface, including a completely revamped desktop."

Mahomed said he believes there will be a "strong uptake" of Windows 8 locally, as it is a "compelling new software launch" from the Redmond-based software behemoth.