I am ready for Windows 7, but is it ready for me?

This week’s question is one that many people are asking, but unable to answer.

Windows 7 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows, and was released on October 22, 2009.

Unlike its predecessor, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being fully compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible.

All the early reports are that – after the disaster of Vista – Windows 7 is all we were hoping it would be. But, my recommendation is don’t run out and buy it just yet. I really hate to keep you from the joy of a new toy, as I like a good toy as much as the next kid. So, let me explain why – in most cases – I have to be the kill joy on this one…

If you’re buying a new PC for home because it is time and you just have to, now may be the time to consider Windows 7. Make sure though that you have relatively new printers and other peripherals, and that your software for tracking your home finances, games and so on, is supported. If it’s not, make sure you upgrade it at the same time.

If you run a micro business with only a few PCs, you may even get away with it.
However, if you run a larger business and have one or more servers, you need to wait a little longer. Unfortunately, we are seeing issues with what will and won’t work on a Microsoft Small Business server with Windows 7. It is not clear whether it is officially supported or officially unsupported at this stage, but what we are definitely seeing is that there are gaps.

Some business applications are supported – but many are not. Some are supported by Windows 7, but not by 2008 Server, so you run into issues with not being able to upgrade the server to support the PCs.

In large companies with thousands of PCs, a lengthy testing process will be followed by the IT department to ensure compatibility with existing applications and infrastructure; and that will take many months to perform. As these companies do the testing, requests will go to printer manufacturers for updated drivers, and demand will push manufacturers to provide the solutions smaller businesses don’t have the clout to ask for.

So – my recommendation – be patient and wait for the other players in our complex IT world to decide whether Windows 7 is worth supporting in business. We need to keep asking IT experts if it is time, and then believe the answers we get.

If you fail to heed the warnings and upgrade your PCs for some perceived benefit or just because you like to have new toys, it is likely that you will add significant cost to your network support over the next few months.

Whether you do the support yourself, or have others do it for you, jumping ahead to Windows 7 – before Windows 7 is small-business ready – will distract you from your core business and reduce your effectiveness in the months ahead.

In these improving economic times, now is the time for business growth. It is not the time for messing around with immature technology. The best path forward is to have a strategic plan that takes the current state of technology into account. This will let you implement the right components of your IT system at the right time, and get you the best return on investment over the longest sensible period.

Click here to read more IT Systems expert advice.