Steps for a Good Transition

Upgrading an OS can be a challenge for many organizations. You have to consider a mixture of PC technologies, numerous application sets for different user groups, and possible compatibility issues. But, migrating to a new OS does not need to be a daunting experience. With the right strategy in place, making the jump to Windows 7 can be simplified.

Start with an Windows 7 Assessment: When dealing with a core technology like an OS, it’s essential to know which machines are best suited for the upgrade, how they need to be prepared, and how much hardware needs to be purchased to complete the migration. An assessment gives you a clear picture of your environment’s existing mix of hardware and software, lets you plan an effective strategy for your Windows 7 migration, and provides a baseline to measure your progress.

Create a Smart Strategy: Use your assessment information to create a plan that works to your advantage. Identify good targets for system upgrades and get the most out of your budget by matching performance needs with the right computers. Determine how to build out a good hardware independent image, prepare applications, and capture existing data off machines. Figuring out how to assemble the entire process and automate it will save you significant resources and result in a much smoother transition.

Set Achievable Goals: Do you want increased security? Support for a specific application set? Reduced management requirements? A series of goals and milestones for your project will make it much easier to explain the benefits to decision makers and users alike.

Talk the Talk: Perhaps the most overlooked step of any project is to keep others up to speed. Choose an opportune time to let users know about the migration before it happens. Discuss the benefits they’ll see with Windows 7, explain new processes, and show how to maintain old ones.