Microsoft appears to have hit a home run with Windows 7. The launch event was well received. The software reviews are mostly positive. The memories of Vista may be fading away. But can Windows 7 live up to the launch hype over the long haul?
Now that the dust has settled on the introduction of the much-anticipated operating system, Windows 7 has to pass the performance, reliability and compatibility tests that spur sales and drive upgrades. With the complexity and cost of upgrading, Microsoft may still have some convincing to do before the enterprise market adopts the software.
“Corporate contentment with current Windows XP and Windows Vista desktops and lack of a specific business application to drive an upgrade are difficult issues for Microsoft or any vendor to address,” said Laura DiDio, principal analyst at ITIC.
The Complexity Issue
Microsoft’s initial solution is proactively addressing compatibility issues and working with hardware partners who are offering aggressive promotional discounts to woo corporations and consumers alike to embrace Windows 7. The question is: Will it be enough to overcome the complexity issue?
“Complexity is worrisome for all customers, from the smallest SMBs to the largest enterprises,” DiDio said. “The majority of customers who elected to remain on Windows XP will have a more complex upgrade path than those moving from Windows Vista.”
Indeed, Microsoft has worked hard to make upgrading as easy as possible with deployment tools and toolkits, as well as troubleshooting tools. Microsoft also developed a broad and deep ecosystem readiness program complete with technical training workshops for independent software vendors.
The Budget Issue
Although compatibility tools and corporate due diligence can go a long way toward overcoming the complexity of a Windows 7 migration, DiDio said finding the budget to purchase new Windows 7 licenses is an onerous task for cash-strapped companies.
“Corporations that purchased Microsoft…