Taking A New Approach to Application Compatibility in Windows 7 Migrations

This is my second post reviewing a new report from Quest Software, Taking a New Approach to Application Compatibility in Windows 7 Migrations: New Solutions Ensure Application Compatibility During Operating System Upgrades. The report provides valuable insights for IT administrators. You can view my first blog post here. The report provides some interesting insights about migrating and updating systems from Windows XP. The report advises that if done correctly, it may be best for organizations to both move to Windows 7 and upgrade to virtualization software. The report states:

There are some appealing aspects to tackling both projects at once. By moving to desktop virtualization, it is often possible to reuse legacy desktop devices as thin clients, or at least defer the purchase of thin clients for a year or two. In addition, deployment of virtual Windows 7 desktops ensures instant access to the updated Windows experience everywhere, and testing apps for readiness with Windows 7 and desktop virtualization can be done simultaneously. If your organization is undergoing a compatibility and readiness exercise for its Windows application estate, it might as well bite the bullet and rationalize and fix both targets at the same time.

One of the interesting observations from the report was the identification of application sprawl over the last decade. The report identifies that for an average large enterprise, nearly 1,300 applications need to be supported. Some of these have been developed without the support of the IT department, further complicating improving upgrading and compatibility. Because of so many different applications, the report states that one of the challenges is testing, to ensure functionality when upgrading to Windows 7 or implement virtualization. The report continues to continues:

Ensuring compatibility with older versions of Web-based applica- tions is vital as well, since many Web-based applications — such as Microsoft Office add-ons and earlier versions of Java — were designed to run on older browsers. This is particularly important in Windows 7 migrations for two reasons: First, browsers such as Internet Explorer 6 are no longer supported; and second, Internet Explorer 8 is embedded in the operating system. Many companies have been quite slow to realize that upgrading to Windows 7 means they have to look at browser compatibility, too. However, it is important to note that browser compatibility is not just about making sure your own applications work on your new browser version. It’s also about knowing whether your B2B or B2C site will work if your customers or partners are using a new browser version. Finally, as more and more applications are accessed through a browser in some form of cloud computing, addressing compatibility problems becomes even more essential.

I’d encourage you to a take a read of the report, it was an interesting read.

How are you working to update systems Windows 7 migrations? How have you worked to migrate applications?

With a long track record of delivering outstanding results for more than 15 million government and higher education end users, Quest Software Public Sector has helped federal, state, and local government agencies and education institutions apply solutions to solve the toughest IT management problems and simplify their infrastructures. For more information, go to www.quest.com/public-sector.

Founded in 1991, DLT Solutions delivers best-of-class technology solutions to federal, state and municipal governments and businesses from its headquarters in Herndon, Va. With its product portfolio, multiple procurement vehicles and award-winning track record, DLT confidently supports public sector clients in the technology implementation required to achieve their agency missions. For more information or to place an order, contact DLT Solutions at 800-262-4358; email [email protected]; or visit www.dlt.com.