As a Micrrosoft Gold Partner in multiple competencies,
TwinEngines follows our partner's technology releases so we can
offer advice to our small and mid-market manufacturing
businesses. We think the Microsoft technology platform is the
most cost-effective solution for a small and mid-market
company.
With the release of Windows 7 to manufacturing this past
July, and planning for 2010 in full swing, I found a timely article
on ZDNet offering information based upon Gartner Group
analysts.
The prevailing attitude is that Windows 7 is not only Vista done
right, but Windows done right. If you have Vista PCs,
then consider upgrading those to Windows 7 late next
year. Manufacturing businesses currently using
Windows XP should start planning next year for
the upgrade to Windows 7. Target 2013 as the deadline
for being off of XP completely.
While Windows 7 does not have the 'killer' functionality that
drives immediate upgrades, and it's not a major architectural
release either - it does have many good features such as:
- AppLocker
- BitLocker to Go
- BranchCache
- Better User Account Control Settings
- Improved UI
- HomeGroups Support
Microsoft Software Assurance (SA) is an important consideration
during any new software release. For users who don't
have SA contracts, Microsoft's limits on downgrades to XP is 18
months from Windows 7's release or until the time Windows 7 Service
Pack 1 is released - whichever is earlier.
Gartner's bottom line recommendations are:
| Windows 2000 |
Get off Immediately |
| Windows XP |
Plan to eliminate by YE12. Security support
ends 2014 |
| Windows Vista |
Continue deploying new PCs with Vista, but plan
switch in 2011 |
| Windows 7 |
Plan on 12-18 months for ISV support, planning,
testing and piloting
|
TwinEngines started moving to Windows 7 on new PCs and
any re-builds, and Windows 7 is meeting all desktop office
PC needs. We started planning for our shop-floor and
back-office applications in the Windows 7 OS. Click here to see the
full article.