Recent economic conditions have forced many CIOs to do more with less--and get by with the infrastructure status quo. As a result, commercial client computing has reached a tipping point. Many businesses face aging client infrastructures, an ever-changing workforce and new, more efficient technologies on the horizon.
In the midst of this turmoil, CIOs have a huge opportunity to rethink the IT infrastructure status quo and unlock new potential. And Windows 7 Enterprise from Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ) is one of the key drivers of the biggest client computing shift in 25 years.
In the midst of this turmoil, CIOs have a huge opportunity to rethink the IT infrastructure status quo and unlock new potential. And Windows 7 Enterprise from Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ) is one of the key drivers of the biggest client computing shift in 25 years.
The first step in virtually any operating system migration is to understand your starting point. However, with thousands of desktops, laptops, and mobile devices to track and maintain, large enterprise IT departments do not always have a complete picture of which operating systems and applications employees and key contractors are using. To make matters worse, few enterprises are currently leveraging automation technologies to manage and maintain client computing environments efficiently.
Although IT administrators typically operate in hybrid environments with some level of automation, they also continue to rely largely on manual intervention. Unfortunately, without a comprehensive understanding of the assets already in use throughout the enterprise, IT organizations often cannot leverage automation to best advantage and reap the benefits of migrating to Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise--the version of Windows that is specifically architected for business users.
Five key steps can help ensure a smooth transition to Windows 7 Enterprise:
Although IT administrators typically operate in hybrid environments with some level of automation, they also continue to rely largely on manual intervention. Unfortunately, without a comprehensive understanding of the assets already in use throughout the enterprise, IT organizations often cannot leverage automation to best advantage and reap the benefits of migrating to Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise--the version of Windows that is specifically architected for business users.
Five key steps can help ensure a smooth transition to Windows 7 Enterprise:
Evaluate the readiness of the organization and of end users: Determining readiness to migrate to Windows 7 Enterprise starts with understanding the way workers in your enterprise are currently using their computers. Proper advance notification and training can help to minimize IT support calls and avoid interrupting business productivity.
Gap analysis is typically the best way to determine how to announce the migration and give employees the training they may need to use Windows 7 Enterprise effectively. Take stock of how workers feel about their current OS, identify needs that are not currently being met, and communicate the advantages of Windows 7 Enterprise in terms of new capabilities that can help increase productivity and efficiency.
Determine hardware compatibility: Windows 7 Enterprise requires certain hardware features to run--features that are available in current generation client systems like Dell ( DELL - news - people ) OptiPlex desktops, Dell Latitude laptops and Dell Precision workstations.
For organizations that choose to maintain legacy systems, ensuring that all hardware platforms meet these prerequisites can help avert headaches during the migration process. Start by taking an inventory of the desktops, laptops, and mobile devices workers are using. Next, create a return-on-investment business case for improving quality of work and lowering costs for client system deployments. Address bottom-line considerations by explaining how the strategic investment in capital equipment can both advance business goals and save on operating expenses. When necessary, refresh client systems--perform user-specific automated image and application configuration, migrate data and settings, and update any outdated drivers on end-user devices.
Determine hardware compatibility: Windows 7 Enterprise requires certain hardware features to run--features that are available in current generation client systems like Dell ( DELL - news - people ) OptiPlex desktops, Dell Latitude laptops and Dell Precision workstations.
For organizations that choose to maintain legacy systems, ensuring that all hardware platforms meet these prerequisites can help avert headaches during the migration process. Start by taking an inventory of the desktops, laptops, and mobile devices workers are using. Next, create a return-on-investment business case for improving quality of work and lowering costs for client system deployments. Address bottom-line considerations by explaining how the strategic investment in capital equipment can both advance business goals and save on operating expenses. When necessary, refresh client systems--perform user-specific automated image and application configuration, migrate data and settings, and update any outdated drivers on end-user devices.
Resources: Making Windows 7 Work For You
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