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Home Vision Financial issue 04 Windows 7 drives desktop transformations

Windows 7 drives desktop transformations

Employing a tried and tested deployment methodology helps organisations reduce risk, time and cost associated with operating system upgrade

Businesses are using the introduction of Microsoft’s latest desktop operating system Windows 7 as a springboard to transform how they deliver IT services across the workplace.

Workstyle profiling, application virtualisation, remote access and productivity enhancements are just some of the broader initiatives being combined with Windows 7 upgrade projects.

Nina Sundberg, Microsoft’s Windows Business Group Lead, commented: “Windows 7 has become a driver for IT change, with 89 per cent of businesses saying they have plans to move to the platform in the next 12 months.”

Given the broader scope of many Windows 7 implementations, companies need to make sure their plans lead to live projects during 2011. According to estimates from analyst Gartner, it will take an organisation between 12 and 18 months to plan, test and pilot the new OS.

Pierre Hall, Computacenter’s Workplace Solutions Director, commented: “With support for Windows XP Service Pack 3 ending in 2014 and support for earlier service packs already withdrawn, organisations face a tight migration timeline for what will be a major transformation. Migrating to Windows 7 will not only provide organisations with an optimised platform and improved user features, but will also enable them to take advantage of the sunk investment they have already made in Windows desktop operating systems.”

Gartner recommends that Windows XP should be eliminated from enterprise PCs by the end of 2012 as some independent software vendors could start to withdraw support for the legacy platform from 2011 onwards. *

Risk-free migration

To help reduce implementation time, risks and costs, Computacenter has developed a modular Desktop Migration methodology, which brings consistency and control to Windows 7 projects.

“Our tried and tested desktop methodology enables organisations to quickly identify the scope, cost, time and dependencies associated with their project,” comments Pierre. “The methodology draws on our involvement in Microsoft’s Windows 7 rapid deployment programme and the lessons we have learned from early adoption projects with our customers.”

From project definition and infrastructure remediation to data migration and user training, Computacenter’s deployment methodology encompasses an end-to-end set of processes, procedures and tools to optimise the delivery time of Windows 7 to the desktop. With extensive workplace and Microsoft expertise, Computacenter is able to aggregate a range of services, including procurement, configuration and device disposal, to support the individual needs of each customer and their Windows 7 deployment.

The methodology not only maps the Windows 7 journey but also looks at the wider desktop environment to identify other opportunities to optimise workplace IT.

One major consideration with Windows 7 is user profiling. As Pierre explains: “There are up to eight application packaging scenarios to choose from with Windows 7, so it is important that companies understand the different needs of their user communities especially in terms of mobility and collaboration.”

Getting ready for the cloud

Organisations also need to consider their plans for adopting cloud-based services as part of their Windows 7 migration. With more applications, including Microsoft Office, becoming available via the cloud, companies need to ensure they have the right foundations in place.

“Some businesses are still using hardware that is seven or eight years old; these devices were not built for today’s applications, data volumes, security threats or new IT delivery models,” comments Pierre. “Organisations need to ensure their desktop software and hardware doesn’t hold them back from adopting new technologies that can drive agility, efficiency and cost reduction.”

Many companies, including Severn Trent Water, Marks & Spencer and, BT have already embarked on their Windows 7 journey with Computacenter’s help.

In total Computacenter has deployed more than130,000 Windows 7 licences and will be assisting a major car manufacturer with a global 110,000-seat implementation during 2011.

“More than 240 million Windows 7 licences have already been sold, with 94 per cent of customers satisfied with the platform,” comments Nina. “Windows 7 not only improves the user experience and productivity but will also help to lower costs with fewer desktop failures and support calls.”

To request more information about our Windows 7 services, click here.

 * http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Microsoft-Windows-7-Upgrade-Should-Start-in-2010-Says-Gartner-758006/