Plan, Select, and Deploy Windows 7 the Right Way

As XP faces end of life, IT must look at implementing Windows 7 across the enterprise to ensure business continuity.
Windows 7 has a multitude of options - 32 bit vs. 64 bit, Premium vs. Enterprise - that may require significant due diligence on the part of IT to assess and implement throughout the organization.
This solution set will help you determine which version of Windows 7 is most appropriate and develop a deployment strategy and plan for your organization.

Our Advice

Critical Insight

Business continuity and support are the driving factors behind Windows 7 migration, not ROI and TCO.
When it comes to installing a new OS across an enterprise, there are unique ways of building buy-in and ensuring less hiccups. Focus on providing limited access to all end users to "bang on the system" as a way of testing and training.
If you're currently a Microsoft shop, it's best to stay that way. There is alot to be lost in the switch, and little to gain.

Impact and Result

Select the most appropriate version of Windows 7 for your organization.
Know what to test and how to test, to ensure a smooth pilot and deployment.
Understand deployment options, and select the right implementation method(s).

Plan, Select, and Deploy Windows 7 the Right Way Research & Tools

1. Determine the version of Windows 7 needed.

Focus on the status of current hardware, the security and remote access needs of the organization, and the capital investment you're willing to make.

2. Deploy Windows 7 across the enterprise.

Understand the internal limitations of your organization. Deployment methodologies vary depending on the number of end users requiring the software, the complexity of their needs, the expertise of internal IT staff and the constraints of available hardware.

About Info-Tech

Info-Tech Research Group is the world’s fastest-growing information technology research and advisory company, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals.

We produce unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. We partner closely with IT teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your IT problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

Author

Rahul Parmar

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