Microsoft ranks Windows 7 features most likely to affect app-compatibility

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Testing is always the key: We began testing Vista well over a year ago, and began a slow roll out last December. We did see a few issues, mostly anticipated from our testing. Now, about 20% of our users are on Vista Business, with excellent results. What problems did we run into? They break down as follows:

Applications. Most of our custom apps run on AS/400s, but we have a few users scattered around running older Windows apps that had issues. Most were fixed by upgrading to the latest versions. For the few who were not ready or able to upgrade their apps, we either left their systems alone or installed new XP machines to buy them some time.

IE. We have a couple of departments running apps that require IE6 with no exceptions. If they needed new systems, we installed XP machines and blocked IE7. We have pushed the outside vendors, typically banks and government agencies, to upgrade and move beyond IE6, and hopefully not be specific to any one browser or version.

Older hardware. We do not upgrade OSs on existing PCs, so we did not have issues with trying to run Vista on older machines. With peripherals, the few compatibility issues were solved by replacing or trading around those devices. Most of the hardware that gave any issues was nearing retirement anyway.

Networking. Vista Business has mixed into our network environment very well. Our mix of Server 2000, Server 03, Server 08, and the AS/400 machines have had no issues with Vista. We are also experimenting with Linux, and have not turned up any problems there, either.

The next change coming will not only be Win7, but our migration to 64 bit. I anticipate there will be issues to solve there, but we plan to install our first test 64 bit systems soon, with the first users going 64 bit next summer. By the time we clear that hurdle, Win 7 will be here. Depending on how our 64 bit tests go, we may go that way entirely with Win 7.

Time does not stand still, nor do computers. Any IT shop not looking ahead and preparing for change is not serving their users or organization. Regardless of future plans, testing is the key to a smooth transition.; Posted by: itpro_z Posted on: 11/04/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use