Windows 7 Migration….Should You Do It?

With the official public release of Windows 7, IT providers get questioned constantly on the practicality of making the switch to this new operating system. Every 2-4 years, Microsoft decides to launch its latest and greatest version of Windows and moving to these new environments is never as quick or easy as they market to the user.

Being personally been involved in migrating environments from Windows 95 all of the way to up to the current evolution of Windows (Windows 7), there has never been a time where it went 100% transitionally smooth.  Consider the following before migrating to a new operating system:

1. Cost vs. Value. Companies often have older computers in use.  Often these systems are out of warranty.  It costs money and resources to upgrade each computer.  Be careful how much time and money you spend on an older system.  Buying a new computer with the new operating system may be a better investment.
2. End user training.  A typical soft-cost that is often overlooked is the time involved in retraining staff and loss of productivity during this process.  New operating systems mean new look, feel, and functionality.  There is a very real cost in getting your staff retrained. Oftentimes this cost is hard to estimate since some users are more technically savvy than others.  Many users are resistant to change – especially on their computers.
3. Application compatibility. Software developers like to take their time in ensuring they have a version of their product that is compatible with the latest version of the operating system.  Just because a new version of Windows is out, doesn’t mean your business applications will work on it.  Discuss migration issues with your software vendors before making the switch.
4. Licensing costs. Make sure to discuss with your IT provider the best ways to purchase your operating systems and licensing as there are many cost-saving programs available.

If you plan appropriately, a successful operating system migration can be performed in as little as a weekend with only minor support required on Monday morning.  Without the proper planning, however, you will experience major business interruptions, loss of time, money, and productivity.  Talk to a reputable Michigan computer services firm before taking the dive.  Performing upgrades to your operating system is something you can’t put off forever. Put in the appropriate time and resources with a trusted technology partner and you will find the potential headaches of making this major change will be minimal.