With its continued dominance in the management of computers across the world, any new version of the Microsoft Windows operating system is an important consideration for all computer users - both as individuals and in business. The impending arrival of its latest incarnation, Windows 7 in October, promises faster speeds and improved usability - but for SMEs it also raises issues of cost to upgrade and compatibility with existing computers and software.
With a piece of software as complex as Microsoft Windows, which is central to most PCs and can both beneficially and adversely effect the use of a computer, it is vital that the IT Manager or person responsible for procurement fully assesses its suitability. Because many organisations use a myriad of other software and applications (such as bespoke systems and mainstream applications) it is a complicated process to determine the suitability of any new version of Windows. However there are a number of general guidelines that can help in deciding whether or not it is worth investigating its possible use.
Two of the key selling points of Windows 7 are its modest use of computer system resources, particularly in comparison to its predecessor Windows Vista, and its promise to run faster on suitable computers. Naturally these offer benefits to everyone, but they also need to be weighed against the cost of the upgrade. These benefits are particularly useful for increasingly popular mobile devices such as ultra portable laptops, which tend to use lower power processors to save on weight and size to prolong battery usage. If a laptop is only a year or two old it may be worth the price of an upgrade to Windows 7 to maximise its potential, depending on how the device is intended to be used.
With desktop computers or older laptops the case for upgrading to Windows 7 is less clear-cut. As well as the cost implications, there is also an element of ‘If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’. The majority of modern computers currently use either Windows XP or Windows Vista, which are both more than capable of supporting most user needs and current software applications. In this case it is often better to wait until the hardware needs upgrading, rather than going through the expense and inconvenience of an operating system upgrade, only to reap a few extra years of service for the investment.
In the past there have been some fears over the perceived problem of compatibility issues associated with adopting new operating systems and using existing third party, bespoke or specialised software. However Microsoft has addressed this perceived issued by including a Virtual Windows XP mode in Windows 7, which ensures compatibility with older software that currently runs on Windows XP. This means that many organisations, which have been holding back on upgrading to Windows Vista due to software issues, will now be able to leap-frog to Windows 7.
The best course of action for many organisations will be to introduce Windows 7 slowly, trialling it with IT-savvy team members who are able and willing to discover the benefits and who can become advanced users – thus being able to mentor the rest of the company. Introducing the new version of Windows this way allows for full trialling of its ability to co-operate with existing systems and software, but without the fear that if there are any issues they will adversely affect the whole IT function of the organisation. It may also be prudent to give these trail-blazing users access to their old system as well, so if there are any issues their productivity is not impinged.
Microsoft says it has deliberately designed Windows 7 to be user-friendly, intuitive and highly compatible - so long as it is adopted at the optimum time to suit business needs and budget, it could be a sound investment – offering a substantial ‘shelf life’ for its continued use. However it is vitally important not to upgrade for upgrade’s sake, because there will still be an element of cost and upheaval even on the smoothest of transitions. It is better to think about the current requirements and probably future needs, then decide if it would offer a sound return on investment.