Does Your Business Really Need Vista?
February 2007

Microsoft recently released three new product offerings in Windows Vista, Microsoft Office 2007, and Exchange 2007. The long awaited Vista Operating System comes 5 years after the release of Windows XP.  The latest version boasts enhanced security features, and a simplicity that will make it more user friendly than XP.  But are the benefits worth the cost of implementation?

Visually Vista is light years ahead of what we've seen thus far.  Yet, similar enough to XP to make it an easy transition.  In Vista, live mini-previews of each window pop open when the cursor is moved along the task bar, multiple screens can bee seen at the same time....great for the multi-tasker. 

Mini applications or gadgets can be placed on the desktop to perform a variety of tasks.  They can connect to web services to deliver data, weather info, news updates, maps, sticky notes, calendars, and the list goes on.....

In addition to the eye candy, Microsoft also made security enhancements to the firewall, added an anti-spyware program,  improvements to the backup program, and gives you the ability to encrypt files.

Before moving to Vista here are some issues you need to address first.

Does your hardware meet the minimum requirements?
Vista is known for its considerable hardware requirements, with minimum requisites more demanding than in any other Windows Operating System.  Check to see if your pc's are able to run Vista: “Vista Capable”

What edition is right for your business?
There are currently 3 editions of Vista for businesses to choose from, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. The Enterprise edition requires customers to have a Software Assurance or Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. Additionally, a new upgrade program is available which allows consumers to upgrade to higher editions. Known as Vista Anytime Upgrade, this feature may be a great benefit for small business owners.  Compare Editions

How will your day to day business be affected?
You will need to consider the software applications that are used to keep your business up and running. Do the programs you use run with Vista?  For example, if you run Quickbooks, only version 2007 will run with Vista.  Earlier versions will not!  An overview of Microsoft’s Application Compatibility Toolkit can assist in making this decision.  Initially your users will go through a period of 'training' on the new OS, and make take some time for them to become familiar with the new Vista.

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To really get a sense of the cost/ benefit of switching to Vista OS, consider all of the factors.  For some, it may be an incredible asset, and for others, it may not be necessary right away. Licensing fees, and hardware cost are not the only issues that need to be noted. Application and Backup Testing, including any potential modifications must be addressed, as well as the cost and time required for training, and additional IT support.

Windows Vista is ready to support your business needs, but you really need to consider if your business will benefit from a new operating system right now, or if it may be of more value to wait. With the introduction of services packs and improvements that are sure to be released, it may not be necessary to rush into moving all of your pc's to Vista.  If you don't find real value in moving to Vista, why not wait until some of the kinks are worked out of the software, possibly moving into Vista with the purchase of your new pc's.