Should your business fear Windows 7?
Many businesses are realizing Windows 7 is the only choice for moving forward with operating systems. With the backlash shown against Windows Vista and the backing of Windows 7 by major manufacturers such as HP & Dell, you will not have the option to purchase Windows XPfor long. All operating systems, including XP, will go end of life eventually.
As a Michigan IT consulting coach to businesses, my advice is very simple. No one likes change, especially when it comes to technology in the business world. Your business will have to eventually upgrade - so do it on your terms. Do not be forced into it out of lack of support from a vendor or manufacturer. Integrating Windows 7 is much better received and a smoother process when planned out and not forced on a business because a computer has bombed and “we can’t get XP from Dell anymore!”
Windows 7 includes many benefits that can help IT administrators provide layers of security on their active directory network along with some niceties built in for the users. Windows 7 is considered a more secure operating system than its predecessors just by the nature of it being the latest version and ultimately it being the forefront of Microsoft’s image to the consumer. Microsoft has always carried the burden of being the “least secure” of your choices, but Windows 7 has proven to be stable, smooth running and an overall pleasant experience.
Some of the new features, such as DirectAccess and XP mode integration have a few prerequisites that require more of an updated networking environment or computers in order to function. DirectAccess provides remote employees a secure way to connect to a Windows Server (2008) without the use of separate connection software or VPN. It’s an easier way to provide remote access, but has limits as it has to run with the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 platforms. Especially helpful is the XP mode integration which is useful for legacy applications or software that has problems running within Windows 7. Using Virtual PC as an engine, it allows users to install applications on the computer that run on top of a Virtual XP machine. This needs a computer that supports virtualization in its hardware BIOS (which not all systems do).
The beauty of Windows 7 is it doesn’t need a killer app. Microsoft is known for its proliferation of the most widely used computer operating system and leaves the killer apps to its partners or even competitors. Since it has such a large market share it doesn’t need a killer app to be adopted. Discuss Windows 7 migration with a certified computer services firm today.
