BUSINESS BUILDER :: TECHNOLOGY
by Tom Salonek
Phased approach
works best when
upgrading systems
FIRST THE BAD NEWS: Some of the negative critiques of Microsoft?s new operating system, Vista, have some basis in reality.
Vista will slow operations on older computers by up to 30 percent. Other complaints that it is difficult to install Vista as an upgrade on PCs currently running Windows XP appear to be true for many computers, primarily because the new operating system is hardware intensive. (Think multi-core processors ? Core 2 Quads, as well as Core 2 Duo, are a couple of the ?techno? buzzwords for the type of processor, increased RAM and more powerful video cards that are required).
But don?t let any of this cause you to put your head in the technology-upgrade sand. There?s plenty of good news too, starting with system security. The architecture underlying Vista is more secure than XP. In addition, Vista offers security features like disk encryption that, until now, were only available through third-party companies.
Other improvements have been well documented in the business and technology press:
? Sleek interface that dramatically improves the look and feel of applications. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said, ?Vista is flat out the most exciting, coolest place to sit down and start using a computer. Your ability to find the things you want to find, do the things you want to do, be stimulated and excited by the exciting graphics and rich media! The experence is unparalled!? OK, the guy is an official corporate cheerleader, but in my opinion, it?s absolutely true.
? Improved search capabilities. From being able to search your network as easily as you previously could search your own PC, to making searches faster, a better search function was a focus of Microsoft?s Vista operating system.
? Easier deployment and servicing. Microsoft has made improvements in the installation that make it more graphic and simple.
? Greater reliability. From security to wireless operations, Vista is more reliable.
? Improved visualization of information. Windows Aero, also called ?glass,? has transparent windows and improved 3D graphics. Those in the Mac camp will notice a lot of similarities between the Mac user interface and Vista.
? Improved ability to connect systems, people and devices. For example, using Vista?s Media Player you can share files from your media library with others who are on your private network.
Ready to jump on the Vista bandwagon? If you?re running a small- to mid-sized business, my advice is ?not so fast.? If you?re using XP now, you won?t be at a significant disadvantage anytime soon. Far better to time your Vista upgrades with hardware upgrades as you need them. You?ll avoid all the hassles involved in trying to run Vista on anemic hardware.
Prioritize employees that need upgraded hardware the soonest as part of a phased upgrade approach. Make sure all new hardware includes a dual core processor, at least 2 GB of memory, a graphics card with 256 MB of memory and a wide aspect screen. Over time all your employees will migrate to the new operating system ? painlessly and seamlessly ? as part of their regular hardware upgrades.
If cost is an issue, or even if it isn?t, I recommend buying in bulk (think of software purchases like buying cereal at Sam?s Club). Microsoft offers specials that may apply to your organization if you?re implementing a competitive upgrade from other products. Details can be found at www.microsoftincentives.com.
Five flavors of Vista
Vista is available in five different versions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. Large, more complex organizations should consider Enterprise, while small to medium-sized organizations should get along just fine with Business or Ultimate. Vista Ultimate, with its hard disk encryption feature, is the best bet for laptop users.
Home PC users are advised to go with Home Premium. If you can afford the hardware for Vista, you?ll certainly be able to pop for the extra $40 to $60 for the premium version. Premium provides Areo, a new interface that has features such as transparent windows, along with additional features for your digital media and DVD maker. If you are a digital media enthusiast, you may want to hold out for the soon to be released Media Center edition.
Vista has been a long time in coming, but once you?re ready to upgrade your systems, I think you?ll find it was worth the wait.
[contact] Tom Salonek is CEO of Intertech in Eagan: 651.994.8558; tasalonek@intertech.com; www.intertech.com
