Seven software specialists say Windows 7 makes sense

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, has just been released to the public. Many of Microsoft’s Certified Partners and Independent Software Vendors are already making their applications compatible with Windows 7.

Here’s what seven of them have to say about the versatility promised by Windows 7 in the NHS:

1. “We are very impressed with Windows 7 and we’ve received great customer feedback about it from healthcare customers who’ve been trialling the beta version. The new operating system is smaller, faster and more efficient, as well as providing a better user experience. It certainly enables more to be done with fewer mouse clicks. It will make our Business Intelligence applications run that much faster.” Daniel Wakefield, Sales Director, 21C

Windows 7 is lightweight; making installation easier, extending the life of hardware, and making day-to-day usage easier. Yet Windows 7 is packed with new gadgets and shortcuts to help streamline everyday tasks, saving clinicians and medical staff valuable time.

2. “Windows 7 is an extremely secure operating system for ensuring users stay safe online. This is especially important for healthcare organisations in view of their need to protect sensitive patient data.” Chris Gough, Microsoft Business Development Manager, Logicalis UK

Used in combination with Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 is a godsend to those whose job is to protect patient information – and that means just about everyone in the NHS. Features like BitLocker to Go don't just protect data, they also make data security less of a burden for frontline staff.
 

3. “BitLocker To Go will make the lives of GPs and practice nurses much easier as they will now be able to carry just the information they need on encrypted flash memory sticks.” Gary Shuckford, chief operating officer, EMIS

By providing levels of protection previously available only with third-party products, BitLocker to Go safeguards sensitive data held on USB storage devices and makes it easier for IT administrators to set policies on the use of removable media.

4. “The touch functionality in Windows 7 will transform the user experience for clinicians.” Ian Denley, chief executive, System C

Windows 7 supports touch and other developing display technologies that will encourage closer collaboration between medical staff and patients. It's a giant leap forward in eliminating that regular complaint: "I want my doctor to look at me, not a screen!"

5. “With improved application and hardware readiness testing, multiple methods of delivering a multi-desktop rollout, and a more streamlined installation process, we anticipate the most painless enterprise rollouts of any operating system to date.” Dan Simpson, client services manager, P1 Technology Partners

For already hard-pressed IT departments who spend much of their time fire-fighting, major rollouts across a large healthcare estate can be an unwelcome distraction. New tools in Windows 7 make for much easier deployment.

6. “Windows 7 uses far fewer resources than previous versions of Windows. It’s also much more intuitive for users, making them more productive. Add to that the ease of migrating applications from Windows Vista and you have an enterprise level operating system for the masses.” Stephen Allen, senior systems engineer, Data Systems (Computers) Ltd

Healthcare workers today need their computers to work efficiently. By helping them to interact more effectively with IT, Windows 7 makes staff more productive.

7. “We upgraded to Windows 7 to take advantage of the opportunities it provided us around developing improved usability for patient self-service and assessment, both through our kiosks in GP surgeries and over the web.” Dr Fraser Booth, Head of Development, PAERS

Windows 7 will allow clinicians and medics to use ‘meaningful programs’ when explaining conditions to patients. For instance, a doctor might show a patient images of their heart on-screen to demonstrate how theirs differs from the norm. The user-friendly multimedia support in Windows 7 will have plenty of self-service applications, from directing users to key services through to telecare.

More about Windows 7

The NHS Resource Centre was at one of the many exciting Windows 7 launch events in London.

 Our exclusive interview with Dr Bill Crounse on Windows 7

Why South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust has already embraced Windows 7

Windows 7 official websites

Learn more about the benefits of Windows 7 for businesses and other enterprises on Microsoft.com.

 Learn more about its great features.