Migraines and Migrations of an Operating System
With the official public release of Windows 7, IT providers get asked constantly on the practicality of making the switch to this new operating system. Every 2-4 years, Microsoft decides to unleash its latest and greatest version of Windows and migrating to these new environments is never as quick or easy as they market to the user.
There is almost never a time when migrations go 100% according to plan. Consider the following before migrating to a new operating system:
- 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 smarter investment.
- End user training. Many businesses often overlook this soft expense. New operating systems mean new look, feel, and functionality. There is a very real cost in getting your staff retrained. Oftentimes this cost is difficult to estimate since some users are more technically savvy than others. Many users are resistant to change – especially on their computers.
- Application compatibility. Software developers like to take their time in making sure 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 function properly. Discuss migration issues with your software vendors before making the switch.
- Licensing costs. Make sure to discuss with your IT provider the best ways to purchase your operating systems and licensing as there are many discount programs available.
With appropriate planning in place, a successful OS migration can be done in as little as a weekend with minor support required starting Monday morning. If you do not plan properly, you are setting yourself up for business interruptions and down time. Talk to a good Michigan computer services firm before taking the dive. Performing upgrades to your operating system is something you can’t put off forever. Use the services of a trusted business IT partner and you’ll discover potential headaches can be kept to a minimum.