Windows 7 is the best OS for enterprise use from Microsoft and improves on 3 major pain points. Info-Tech recommends organizations running Windows XP as the primary desktop OS migrate to Windows 7 by end-of-year 2012. This storyboard addresses the following migration success factors: •Preparation and planning are key to a successful deployment – focus on application, driver, and peripheral compatibility. •Version selection is important to ensure that necessary features and functionality are deployed. •Selecting the most appropriate deployment methodology will maximize resource allocation and minimize time and cost. Take advantage of Microsoft’s free resources to help simplify and ensure the success of your Windows 7 deployment.

1. Windows 7 Planning & Deployment Done Right Info-Tech Research Group

4. XP shops: start planning now for a complete migration by 2012 8 Info-Tech Research Group 1 Includes fully and partially deployed respondents Source: Info-Tech Research Group n=231 2010 1 2012 Windows XP Windows 7 As Windows XP end-of-life approaches, Windows 7 adoption will skyrocket ‘ 01 ‘ 06 ‘ 08 ‘ 09 ‘ 14 Windows XP is launched. 400,000,000 copies in use. Direct OEM & retail sales of XP end. XP moves to extended support phase. Microsoft discontinues XP support. Less than 1% of survey respondents that deployed Vista plan to stay on it indefinitely; only 8% of respondents plan on staying with XP. Similarly, less than 1% plan on moving to an alternate OS. Info-Tech recommends organizations on Vista move to Windows 7, though with less urgency. If an EA with SA for desktop OS is in place and current hardware is sufficient, migrate sooner rather than later. Organizations running XP beyond 2014 can expect to pay $200K/year for security patches and support from Microsoft.

5. XP end-of-life matters most 0 Info-Tech Research Group Branch / Remote Access Functionality 27% 47% 26% TCO/ROI 28% 46% 26% Security Features 36% 49% 15% Hardware Refresh 40% 42% 18% Administrative Management Functionality 48% 41% 11% XP End of Life 56% 28% 17% 1 Very Important Important Not Important Source: Info-Tech Research Group n=189 61% of large organizations cite XP end-of-life as the most important factor in their decision to move to Windows 7, while 72% of smaller organizations ranked improved administrative and management functionality as a significant pull factor. Smaller organizations are drawn to the improved administrative and management functionalities due to IT resource constraints. While Microsoft touts the TCO and ROI benefits of Windows 7, Info-Tech data suggests it to be a less important migration driver. 1 Sums greater than 100% are due to rounding

7. Windows 7 improves on 3 significant feature silos Info-Tech Research Group Search Windows 7 provides users with a consolidated search function known as Federated Search that allows users to search for a file on their desktops, the network or on the Internet from a single search. Jump Lists provide quick access to recent files and applications. Security With the Enterprise and Ultimate versions of Windows 7, enhanced security features such as BitLocker and AppLocker can be activated to ensure security of corporate data and application control. Connectivity With the addition of a Windows Server 2008 R2 backend, DirectAccess provides seamless remote and mobile connectivity, while BranchCache can store commonly accessed files locally in branch offices for much faster local access.

17. 54% of organizations cited application testing as the most successful way to mitigate deployment issues Info-Tech Research Group n= 190 22% Deployment Methodology 20% End-User Training 54% Application Testing 1% Peripheral Testing 3% Other

19. Roadmap Info-Tech Research Group Stay on Vista Migrate to an Alternate OS Upgrade on Existing Hardware Upgrade via Hardware Refresh

20. Deploy through hardware refresh with standard images – installed in-house or pre-installed by the VAR Info-Tech Research Group Not recommended 1 In-House Standard Images Standard images are created with all of the functionality, settings, and applications required. The images can be deployed to multiple PCs without having to make additional changes before rolling machines out to end-users. Images can be deployed by the IT group as new hardware arrives. 2 Pre-Installed Standard Images Standard images are created by IT and provided to the PC manufacturer or VAR. Dell ImageDirect and HP Workplace Software Management Services, for example, will install provided images during the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for IT to deploy images on new hardware. 3 Maintain Standard OEM Install Maintaining the standard OEM installation is an option, however, manual configuration and application installations are required for each machine. This is a time-consuming and onerous process.

21. Roadmap Info-Tech Research Group Stay on Vista Migrate to an Alternate OS Upgrade on Existing Hardware Upgrade via Hardware Refresh

22. Preparation 101: Hardware Compatibility Info-Tech Research Group Microsoft Assessment & Planning Toolkit Most desktops and laptops manufactured in 2008 or later will run Windows 7 without issue. In fact, even older hardware (up to 5 years old) will run Windows 7 32-bit handily, but there is some risk of driver incompatibility. The Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP) inventories PCs on the corporate network and identifies those capable of running Windows 7. Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit Corporate Network Hardware Assessment Results Compatible with Windows 7 Incompatible with Windows 7

23. Preparation 101: Deployment Planning Info-Tech Research Group Deployment Image Servicing & Management DISM lets you build a variety of standard images for deployment. Windows Automated Installation Kit This tool allows for automated deployment using pre-configured answer files, as well as incorporating the User State Migration Tool (USMT) (allows the migration of user files and settings from the previous OS). Microsoft Deployment Toolkit This tool extends the WAIK functionality to include deployment options like network configuration and settings, and functionality like BitLocker. It essentially allows for zero-touch implementations. Windows Deployment Services WDS allows for a higher level of automation. Run on Windows Server 2008, it centralizes images and image management, and allows for multicast (one-to-many) deployment.

26. Roadmap Info-Tech Research Group Stay on Vista Migrate to an Alternate OS Upgrade on Existing Hardware Upgrade via Hardware Refresh

28. Roadmap Info-Tech Research Group Stay on Vista Migrate to an Alternate OS Upgrade on Existing Hardware Upgrade via Hardware Refresh

30. The future of the desktop OS Info-Tech Research Group In a recent survey, respondents were asked to comment on the following provocative statement: Desktop OSes as we know them will be extinct in 5 years as all applications and services will be available in a browser through cloud-based offerings As expected, the responses were varied and passionate. “ This is absolutely silly. Many services will be delivered through the cloud, but even phone OSes today are "thicker" than desktop OSes were 10 years ago. That trend will not even reverse that soon much less have come to that fruition.” “ No, desktop Os will not be dead - too many business applications will still require them. End users, especially younger ones, will not be constrained by desktops in the future - although 5 years is a little soon to see that.” “ False, desktop OS will still exist very similar to today, however usage within the enterprise will change. In 5 years expect today's desktop OS to represent about 40% to 45% of the fleet with browser based at 55 to 60% climbing at a rate of 5-10% per year.” “ It may be the case for small or medium size companies, but for large corporations, the Network bandwidth is a constant struggle. The network has to be upgraded multiple times to run a cloud-based organization, and for global corporations that will take much more than 5 years.” “ True. We are already planning large implementations of virtual desktops, virtualized central services (servers).” “ While I think that is possible, it will depend on the extent to which cloud computing and related security, bandwidth and infrastructure matures to support that. I think it's likely that cloud computing and apps will be prominent as described in the next three years. However there will still be desktop OSes for longer than five years.”