5 reasons to upgrade to Vista
Ready to make the switch to Microsoft Windows Vista? If you're running a small business, the answer is probably "yes." And even if you think it isn't, you still have options when you're buying a new PC.
"We recommend that small business customers transition to Windows Vista as they acquire new PCs," says Brad Larsen, Microsoft's senior marketing manager for Windows. "It provides an effective way to migrate to the increased security, enhanced productivity, and improved mobility that Windows Vista offers."
Although a majority of applications - roughly 97% - are compatible with Vista, some aren't. In the unlikely event that the programs your business is running fall under that 3%, you have two choices: either running Vista in 'compatibility mode' or a Windows XP downgrade, which is available to small business buying a new PC. (More on that in a minute.)
For the rest of us, Vista now represents the ideal operating system. "It's the most complete choice for small businesses," says Javier Nino, a Windows small business product manager. Vista gives companies more time to serve their customers and grow their business-whether they buy a new PC with Microsoft Vista installed or upgrade their existing workstation to the latest version of Vista.
Here are five reasons to make the switch to Vista now:
Thanks to Service Pack 1, it's more reliable than ever. That's the assessment of business customers like Marc Harrison, president of Silicon East, a Manalpan, N.J., provider of computer systems. "The reliability issues of the operating system have been addressed with SP1," he says. "It works."
Just how reliable is Vista with SP1? Silicon East is equipping almost all of its clients with Vista systems nowadays - even the most demanding customers. All are pleased with their purchases. Harrison believes SP1 is a key reason for the broad acceptance of Vista. SP1 addressed specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. You can find out more about it here.
It will make you more productive. Windows Vista comes with a slew of features that will make your small business more productive and profitable. "Vista lets you protect your customer information, business records and computers," says Nino, the Microsoft small business product manager. Windows Vista Ultimate helps shield your business from losing time and money due to malicious software and data loss from PC crashes and theft. An upgrade to a Vista machine will help you keep up with changing customer demands. For example, Vista lets you find the programs, business records and e-mails you need to get things done in seconds, not minutes. It also has powerful mobility and collaboration features that allow you to work from virtually anywhere, according to Nino. You can read more about the benefits of Vista here.
Upgrading is easy. Erik Bucker, a network engineer with Richmond, Va.-based Internal Computer Services says the process of upgrading to Windows Vista is easier than ever.
"It's very smooth - no trouble at all," he says. "It went on top of the Windows XP operating system just fine." His small business is in the process of transitioning from XP to Vista. Of its 11 workstations, five are currently running Vista. One of them was upgraded, the other four were factory installed. Internal Computer Services plans to replace the other machines, which are running Windows XP for the most part, with Vista-installed machines soon. Here's more information on upgrading your small business PC to Vista.
It's easy to downgrade. Small businesses that need to continue purchasing new PCs with Windows XP after June 30, 2008 may be able to downgrade their OEM Windows Vista to Windows XP, says Microsoft's Larsen. "To be eligible for downgrades, the new PCs must ship with either Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows Vista Business pre-installed by the OEM," he says. To facilitate a downgrade, Larsen recommends that small business customers consult with their retailer or OEM hardware provider. Microsoft will continue to support Windows XP through 2014. Get more information about your XP options here.
You have other compatibility choices. Say you're part of that 3% of small business users whose applications don't currently run on Vista. You can still enjoy the benefits of Vista without having to downgrade your machine. How? By runningVista in compatibility mode. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't work, simply use the Program Compatibility Wizard to change the compatibility settings for the program. Here's how: Open the Program Compatibility Wizard by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Use an older program with this version of Windows. Then follow the instructions in the wizard. Here's more on running an application in compatibility mode.
If you're running a small business, Windows Vista is the most reliable, productivity-enhancing and flexible operating system available to you. The upgrade is easy - and, if necessary, so is the downgrade to Windows XP - but above all, your business now has more choices than ever when it comes to operating systems.