windows7ROAR

THINK before you click! (WHY before 7) February 18, 2010

Before planning deployment to Windows 7, consider the WHY.  Ask yourself, “why didn’t we move to VISTA” and does this reason still apply? 

It’s difficult sometimes to quantify the business value of an operating system– production occurs from the applications!  But don’t overlook this and many other questions before moving to Windows 7. 

Why?  Isn’t Windows 7 the best OS . . . ever?  YES!  Well, you’re right– I am bit bias– but bias doesn’t help when a project goes sour.  Mid-way through your deployment, when resource pressures and business drivers are more than you bargained for, and you’re asking yourself, “Why are we doing this again,” you’ll want something to point to, something to lean on.  This is called Business Value!  Business Value is the WHY of Windows 7.  It identifies OS features that will save and make you $$.  (Check out this link for more on Business Value and Windows 7)

Two important steps here: ASK QUESTIONS and MEASURE.  You’ll want to find ways to measure the business value.  That means gathering some data before you move to Windows 7 so you have an accurate “before” and “after” picture.  When the going gets rough, you’ll  be able to say to yourself (or whomever ), this is WHY!

I imagine many come to this blog because they are preparing for a Windows 7 exam such as 70-680 or 70-686.  Preparing yourself in the technology is an important step– good luck on your studies!  But if you’re also a person of influence in your organization, a decision maker or advisor or subject matter expert, then I hope this post gives you more to think about.  As my boss likes to say, THINK before you click!