Windows 7: A Case For Migration

When Vista launched, IT giant Infosys, only managed to convince 30 percent of users to migrate. "It was like taking people to the dentist," recalls Murali Krishna, VP and head CCD, Infosys Technologies. "Vista had certain features we wanted users to adopt, but it just wasn't user friendly."

Highlights

-- With Windows 7, Microsoft has upped performance, security and support,; it also doesn't require user training.

-- Windows 7 helps keep an eye on unauthorized access to software across the organization.

But that experience isn't changing the way Infosys looks at technology. It has always implemented emerging technologies and is doing the same with Windows 7 on 200 machines. And this time, says Krishna, users aren't complaining, especially, he says, with the brisk start up and shutdown times.

The new operating system has also made life easier for Krishna. Windows 7 makes his work more effortless because it reduces background activities, resulting in enhanced power and processor management. It also helps him keep an eye on unauthorized software across about 5,000 projects. "The enhanced security feature App locker is a real treat," he says. If Infosys is yet to scale its migration beyond 200 it's because third-party software like VPN and encryption tools haven't yet been certified to run on Windows 7 and supporting features like the Bitlocker are not yet enterprise ready. Once these issues are ironed out, Krishna plans to roll out the new OS in a big way. "Our target is to cover 70 percent of our machines in the coming four to six weeks. We are constantly optimizing infrastructure costs and providing a secure and user friendly environment. With Windows 7, Microsoft has upped performance, security and support," he says.

But what about compatibility and user training, the biggest challenges to any migration? "There is no user training required to move to Windows 7," says Krishna. And he's been running all his work on Windows 7 without a hardware upgrade and has dealt with compatibility issues using the new compatibility mode.