Why do you have to purchase a Windows 8 PC? Just purchase Windows 8 and run it in a VM

>There are over 400 PC in the US running my management system. I don't have a choice. I will have to purchase at least one Windows 8 PC so we can at least understand what the customer is talking about. With the radical interface design I know support will be a total nightmare. Once again I get dragged kicking and screaming, into Microsoft's next "Great Idea". I think you can gather what my feelings are.