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Take Flight with Windows 7 5 Tips to Get Your Migration Project


For many organizations, the most difficult part of transitioning to a new operating system is knowing when to make the leap. Every environment is different and requires a unique set of guidelines to ensure a successful, seamless deployment. Follow these steps to enjoy a simpler OS migration that delivers the performance and productivity you’ve been looking for.


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Why You Should Make the Move


Since the release of Windows 7, some organizations have been reluctant to invest in a new software platform. In a difficult economy, many have been forced to put performance-boosting projects on hold in favor of initiatives that directly affect the bottom line. However, as Microsoft announced it would stop selling Windows XP on October 22, 2010, the time has come to ensure you have a proper migration strategy in place.


While Microsoft will continue to release security updates for Windows XP through April 8, 2014, it’s important to bear in mind that third-party software companies will most likely stop supporting their applications on XP long before that date. For organizations that put off upgrading in order to save money, holding onto an unsupported OS past its end-of-life date is actually counterproductive, as costs will eventually increase as software compatibility and security issues arise.


In order to find the perfect opportunity for your organization to make the switch to Windows 7, start with an assessment. Understanding your users’ needs, your infrastructure’s limitations, and your organization’s goals is a crucial step in building a successful migration strategy. Are your employees asking for more functionality than your current OS can supply? Are the support costs of your current infrastructure placing too high a burden on IT staff?


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An assessment will also reveal a great deal of information about your organization’s readiness for a migration to a new OS. Can you synchronize your migration with a hardware refresh for maximum cost-effectiveness? Will you be able to upgrade on a machine-by-machine basis and support two systems at once? Do you have a plan to determine which machines are good candidates for upgrades or clean installs? Planning a wide-reaching initiative like an OS migration requires a solid understanding of your organization’s requirements, and an assessment is an essential ingredient in determining an appropriate IT strategy.


How to Get Started


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