Ease the migration to Windows 7
Summary
Topics
Commentary - Met with widespread acceptance in both the retail and enterprise sectors, Microsoft’s Windows 7 has sold more than 150 million copies so far. These sales have surpassed Vista, making Windows 7 the fastest selling operating system in history with seven copies of Windows 7 sold every second. Some analysts are predicting that its acceptance will exceed that of Windows XP, but the majority of enterprises are still on the sidelines developing their plans for migration.
With a number of new features, the move to Windows 7 will require IT administrators to check each computer to see if they need additional RAM or other upgrades to accommodate the new OS. It can be a difficult and time consuming project that requires extensive planning and budgeting.
Now, IT executives are working to figure out how to effectively migrate their machines from XP to Windows 7. While there is no silver bullet or secret sauce in upgrading an enterprise, there are clear and straightforward steps for a positive experience in migrating to Windows 7.
1. Identification: Determine the operating system currently on each machine in the enterprise. The most efficient way is to install an agent on the endpoints and have them automatically identify and report back the entire hardware and software inventory. Otherwise, a free online app can evaluate each machine, one at a time.
2. Audit and reporting: After the endpoints have sent back information on hardware and software inventory, develop a report on that can be reviewed and analyzed. A free online app can evaluate each machine for you. Review the report and determine which machines are Windows 7 ready and which will require upgrade or replacement.
3. Budget for upgrades: On a machine-by-machine basis, review the report and determine the cost of additional RAM or the expense of replacement. You can use a free cost estimator application to streamline the process and answer “what if” questions. Creating an accurate budget in advance is a key step to an effective Windows 7 migration plan that minimizes waste and keeps CIOs and CFOs in synch.
4. Data backup: This is one of the more important items in planning and execution. The data on each machine needs to be carefully archived. The best practice is to install a backup and recovery service on each of the machines being upgraded or refreshed. If some users will be moving to new machines, this becomes even more important, as they will need the old files placed on their new machine.
5. Refreshing the image: This step can be accomplished in many ways, from a manual installation of the OS from the Windows 7 DVD to the use of an imaging service. No matter which option is chosen, the best practice should be to include backup & recovery and hardware/software inventory agent in the image to be installed. This will make life easier, saving both time and resources and helping to provide a better user experience during this invasive procedure.
6. Data recovery: Since the backup & recovery agent has been included in the image, now start the process of recovering the individual’s specific data that they need in order to be productive. The data recovered will bring the end user a sense of ownership, satisfaction and a WOW factor of “That was easy!”
7. Software Distribution: Distribute and install, hopefully in an automated fashion, any software that was not included in the base image install. The sooner this step is completed, the quicker end users will be productive.
8. Audit verification: After a brief period of time, update the hardware and software inventory reports. Spend some time comparing the pre-upgrade report against the post-upgrade report. If software is missing, go back to step 6 and revisit the situation. This reconciliation process will provide a firm understanding on the disposition of the upgrade, ensuring that the process was successful and all-inclusive.
Microsoft discontinued support for Windows XP SP2 on July 13th, and enterprises are working quickly to develop their Windows 7 migration strategies. Follow the steps above to a cost and time efficient migration.
biography
Chuck Brown is a product manager with Fiberlink, the provider of cloud-based Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions.
Talkback Most Recent of 8 Talkback(s)
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go 7!
Windows 7 is rock solid, fast, easy, secure.
honeymonster17th Aug 2010 -
OK cheerleader
@honeymonster
you fooled me this time. It was a big surprise when I looked in the end of your comment and couldn't see the words Loverock Davidson anywhere.
OS Reload17th Aug 2010 -
LOOK EVERYONE!
HE MENTIONS ME!!!@@##!!!
Yeah that's right, people ask for me by name.
Loverock Davidson17th Aug 2010 -
Not as rosy as you want to make us believe. Not by a long shot!
The fastest selling operating system in history? Maybe, only not as fast as the market and the gap separating Win7 from the hardware market is widening.
150 million Win7 copies sold against more than 220 million PC hardware units sold in the same period. That's less than 68% market penetration for Win7 on new hardware units.
It sure is not as rosy as those of you working for MS's marketing department want to make us believe.OS Reload17th Aug 2010 -
Some ideas
1. In various stages you mention backing up and restoring data on user machines. Now might be a good time for a policy change to centralise this on a network drive. This can done in advance of the endpoint rebuild.
2. Nowhere do you mention analysing the change in network traffic caused by the upgrade. I saw one upgrade (to NT4) bring a company's national network to a standstill. Might be a good time for a full network map and a bit of bolstering. And how about a field test in a 'friendly' department.
3. Keeping in touch with customers is always a good idea! So a regular communication plan will smooth the way. It might seem strange that people will question why you are improving their system ... but some think the money is theirs and XP is fine. Any latent distrust/compaints about IT will surface: be prepared to diffuse them.
4. A training plan might help. It is also a good place to reaffirm/change IT guidelines and policies (e.g. security). Areas with IT expertise will be more receptive if the upgrade is part of a clearly defined IT strategy. Areas with low expertise might warrant an 'expert user' who has had a chance to use the new system. This will save countless help desk calls and more importantly speed the transition.
johnfenjackson@...17th Aug 2010 -
You Can NOT
It will be a huge headache for all parties involved (unless they are already on Vista). IT staff will be despised. End users will be frustrated and much less productive. The migration will be as welcome as Smallpox.
sismoc18th Aug 2010 -
RE: Ease the migration to Windows 7
I upgraded to Microsoft Windows 7 and I couldn't be happier! It offers security, reliability, familiarity, and scalability. Also its compatible with all of your existing applications so upgrading is a breeze. Back up your profile, install Microsoft Windows 7, put your profile back on. Its almost seamless. Upgrades have never been easier.Loverock Davidson17th Aug 2010 -
RE: Ease the migration to Windows 7
Get UBUNTU.
Socratesfoot18th Aug 2010
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