RE: Skipping Vista

My Vista migration is coming up soon, so I’ve started to receive various instruction materials. I ran across the following official writeup on why we’re continuing to rollout Vista instead of going for Windows 7. I know it doesn’t address your comment on going to XP instead, but I thought I’d share anyway. (I think it’s interesting.)

Windows 7 and Release Background

Windows 7 is the new operating system from Microsoft, which reached general retail availability in October 2009. Like all operating systems, this first release will have a major improvement available 9 to 12 months after initial shipping to address many of the flaws inherent in a new operating system. As Microsoft releases Windows 7, it then requires independent software developers to upgrade their applications and in turn Shell, who uses more than 8,000 of these applications, must allow each of our businesses time to upgrade these software packages. Ensuring applications are able to run on the new operating system and perform reliably is the primary reason it takes corporate users longer than individual home users to migrate.

Shell Continues Roll-out of Vista

We carefully considered our options and decided that we will deploy Vista and Office 2007 across Shell as planned. We are in the midst of our rollout and remain confident that Vista provides Shell a robust operating platform for the foreseeable future. As of end November 2009, more than 22,000 computers have been migrated, which is 15% of the total. We will not migrate any computers to Windows 7 until we have completely migrated from Windows 2000 to Vista. This approach is based on the following:

1. Windows 2000 has served our needs, however new hardware is no longer available for purchase. Migrating to Vista will support business continuity where the Windows 7 release timing will not.
2. Improved cost management is achieved by supporting no more than two operating systems simultaneously.
3. Software suppliers to Shell will have the needed time to provide Windows 7 compliant versions, thus minimizing operational risk.
4. The cost to eventually upgrade to Windows 7 is reduced as the Shell businesses have more time to reduce their legacy application portfolios.

Windows 7 in the Future

Windows 7 migrations will likely begin in 2012 and is predicated on: a) minimal business application re-testing/remediation being required, b) good product quality exists, and c) minimal integration risks exist. Furthermore, as noted earlier, for operational stability we must allow ample time for Shell’s major software suppliers to ensure their software functions on Windows 7. When ready, Windows 7 will be implemented as part of our regular asset refresh process of laptop and desktop computers.