      |
Doug Daniel :: ddaniel@sagesol.com
You sat out upgrading your computers from Windows XP to Windows Vista just like you should. Now Windows 7 - Microsoft's next-generation operating system -- has arrived. But the move to Windows 7 feels forced. What other options are available? For most firms a switch to Apple is impractical, so it seems like Windows 7 is the only option. Well it is -- but -- there are enough new improvements and features to benefit your firm and its people. So what should you expect in making the move to Windows 7? Read on...
Windows XP has been performing yeoman's duty since Vista's failure to catch on with consumers, but it long ago should have been put to pasture. Worse yet, Microsoft dropped support for it, deeming XP "End-of-Life." That is tech marketing jargon for only security patches will be released and you need to pay for support. Driver support for peripherals is lacking for new printers, video cards, and other devices. Making a new laptop run Windows XP can be a particularly painful experience. And because the hardware upgrade that didn't happen when your firm didn't move to Windows Vista, your workstations are on their last legs too.
So Windows 7 is your only choice. Get over it. Over the holidays managing partners, technology partners and vocal associates got computers with Windows 7, so the rear-guard push to upgrade will begin in earnest. Many of your colleagues are heading down this road as well: 67% in an legal industry survey said that Windows 7 will be their next operating system.
Put aside the dread that you have no other choice. Windows 7 has many benefits that will make your people more productive. An improved interface, 64-bit memory access, remote access capabilities and security enhancements all commend Windows 7. While many features are geared towards multimedia and home users, there are features that will benefit businesses.
Interface improvements: Microsoft made managing the Windows desktop and the many application windows a top priority in the new Windows 7 interface. Most people have at least their mail and a word processing application open at any one time, but having multiple applications and multiple windows open to perform a task is highly common these days. Microsoft has focused on making your application windows visible in small panes rather than tiny icons so you can see enough to choose the right application window. Windows 7 also has many ways to clean up a cluttered desktop and focus your attention on the application and/or window at hand.
64-bit What? In short, 64-bit operating systems can use more memory, important in these days of memory hungry software. (We are looking at you, large Excel spreadsheets). Office 2010 will be the first big software release to be 64-bit and take advantage of all that memory. Don't worry that there are not many 64-bit applications currently. Common 32-bit applications will run just fine on Windows 7.
Remote Access Purchasing the Professional or Ultimate versions of Windows 7 gets you "Direct Access," which is built-in VPN-like remote access to network servers. Direct Access provides uses working from home the same experience as in the office, seeing their network locations and folders like they were in the office in a secure way.
Security Windows 7 improves upon the disk encryption system from Vista, called BitLocker, allowing USB keys and removable drives to be encrypted in addition to the computer's primary drive. Organizations will like the ability to store the encryption keys for the firm's computers. This gives them access the data on a computer should an employee leave. The added security from BitLocker comes only with the Ultimate edition of Windows 7, plus a small premium.
If you are an enterprise, you will want Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate editions, leave the Home edition at -- home. The Ultimate edition features BitLocker at a $30 premium over Professional. So if disk encryption is a high priority for your organization, go with the Ultimate edition, otherwise Professional will be fine.
Now what equipment will handle Windows 7? Here are some rules of thumb:
So now you are convinced that Windows 7 is your next operating system (hopefully), when is the right time to move? Depending upon your threshold for pain, most people wait to upgrade to a new operating system after the first service pack has been released. The service pack generally represents a set of fixes for bugs, better stability, and sometimes upgraded functionality over the original release of the software. The first service packs usually arrive about 6 months after launch. For Windows 7, the first service pack may come as early as 2Q 2010. If hardware, budget, or other demands require upgrading prior to that, you can upgrade, just understand that you may be finding bugs or other issues for those of us patiently waiting for the service pack.
Microsoft is offering improved deployment tools for creating and deploying standardized Windows 7 images -- the operating system, settings, and core applications on a firm's computer. Because of these new deployment tools, firms may not need additional imaging software, saving some money. Features like Direct Access require a Windows 2008 server. Depending on the functionality you want from Windows 7, upgrading the desktop may require upgrading your network infrastructure.
Lastly, training is essential to a confident and productive workforce. Windows 7 interface changes are substantial enough that some people will feel lost. Everyone will benefit, however, from knowing the productivity and time-savers the new interface affords. Proper training before a Windows 7 roll-out and support afterwards will make a smooth transition.
Once you have said your tearful farewell to Windows XP you will be ready for the dawn of the next decade with Windows 7 by your side. While it may seem like a forced companionship, you will find a lot to like, whether in interface, features, reliability or support. If it's time to upgrade the hardware, pay attention to graphics cards and disk systems when choosing your equipment. Keep your ear to the ground for word of the first service pack release to pencil-in dates for migrating the firm over to the new operating system and image. Once trained and acclimated, your people will be much happier and productive too. Really.
