So there is new hype about the release of Windows 7 these days and there are plenty of fanatics lining up to get a copy. Microsoft promises better security and stability in this release of Windows 7 that is based upon Windows Vista. While this sounds great on paper few businesses take into consideration the cost of upgrading their machines to Windows 7. Here are a few of the costs that you will experience along with the estimated downtime.
1. Migrating all your current data from Windows XP is not easy and will require that you move all of this data onto an external hard drive and then manually move it all back over once the installation is complete. This is due to the fact that there is NO upgrade path from Windows XP, only a clean installation option. There are third party software tools and Microsoft has even released tools to assist in migrating your information over. (downtime ~2hrs per pc) (cost ~$150/external drive + time)
2. Possible hardware upgrades may be needed to utilize windows 7. If you purchased all of your office PC’s in bulk then it is possible that you may have to perform the upgrades on all the computers or possibly replace them (which is very costly). (downtime ~1hr per pc) (cost varies on equipment or new computer purchase)
3. Cost of new licenses can get expensive. $220 for a license for Windows 7 for your business use. If you have 10 computers that is $2,220! That is someones monthly salary and you get nothing in return for it except a new taskbar. (downtime varies with installation speed) (cost $220/license)
4. The cost to train your employees to use the service is monumental if your employees are not comptuer savvy. This cost can rise beyond belief if you have to hire someone to come in and train them. You now have downtime, loss of productivity and the cost to bring someone in to train your staff. The costs keep rising (downtime varies with competency of employees) (cost varies greatly)
5. Reloading all drivers and software is needed and then you have to upgrade all of this. This can be a major killer in the downtime area! Some hardware may no longer work and that means the purchase of new hardware peripherals. (Downtime unknown, depends on situation) (Cost depends on hardware and software upgrades needed.)
We recommend the use of Windows XP Pro until it reaches it EOL (End of Life). This will at least give the newer versions of Windows more time to mature and hopefully the price may come down. This will also give your business more time to prepare for the eventual switchover so it does not come as a surprise to you.