Windows 7 - Our Experience
AyrCD uses the latest computing products and technologies to streamline its internal operations, increase employee productivity, and help protect critical information. Until recently, AyrCD used a combination of the Windows® XP Professional and Windows Vista® Enterprise operating systems on its many desktop and portable computers. “We needed both operating systems because we had certain applications that required one operating system or the other,” says Donald Watson, IT Manager for Ayrshire Computer Developments.
However, in the interest of taking advantage of the new productivity features that accompany each operating system release, the company was excited to move to an even newer operating system companywide, one with which it had fewer concerns about application compatibility, even with older software programs.
Windows 7 - Solution In April 2009, AyrCD launched a pilot deployment of the release candidate version (RC) for the Windows 7 operating system. As of July 2009, AyrCD has desktop and portable computers running Windows 7; employees ranging from software engineers and administrators to the company’s management accountant are using the operating system. Some of the computers that now run Windows 7 were upgraded from Windows Vista, and others received fresh installations.
AyrCD found the deployment process for Windows 7 to be faster and smoother than that of previous operating systems. Says Donald, “I was able to shave at least an hour off the time required to conduct a new installation. It took just 25 minutes, which is unheard of. Installation took approximately 66 percent less time than previously, which represents a considerable saving in staffing costs each year.”
Donald especially appreciates the Microsoft® Assessment and Planning Toolkit that validates a computer prior to deployment. “The tool points out likely trouble spots, alerting me if a driver isn’t right or if the computer lacks necessary resources,” he explains. “Addressing issues in advance saves me time and hassle during the rollout itself.”
AyrCD has not needed to upgrade its hardware to move to Windows 7, and application compatibility has been a non-issue. “I’ve tested our primary software programs, as well as several ancillary applications that we use every day, and I haven’t found anything that I can’t run on Windows 7,” comments Donald. The company uses Windows 7 in Windows XP mode to run older applications.
The company also is testing the Windows Server® 2008 R2 operating system. It plans to make the most of features that work in combination with Windows 7. For example, AyrCD anticipates using DirectAccess, which connects mobile computers seamlessly and more securely to the corporate network. DirectAccess also helps administrators manage portable computers any time they are connected to the Internet. “Sometimes our technicians go weeks without coming to the AyrCD office because they’re busy serving customers. Updating mobile workers’ computers even when they aren’t logged on to our network will help us keep them healthy and running well,” says Donald.
Benefits
AyrCD is taking advantage of the superior performance of Windows 7 and the system’s productivity advancements. “With Windows 7, we can get more done in a day and deliver greater value to our customers,” says Donald. “In fact, I estimate that I save between 30 and 45 minutes every day, which equates to 2.5 hours each week that I can now spend on clients for additional revenue per employee each year.” The company expects that it also will benefit from the operating system’s security and management features. Benefits include:
- Better performance. AyrCD has experienced increased performance from the computers that run on Windows 7. “Starting and shutting down are at least 50 percent faster,” says their technical support. “The wireless connection also is more user-friendly and does a great job of quickly detecting and setting up wireless connections.”
- Increased employee productivity. The company has noted that users are taking advantage of a number of Windows 7 efficiencies, such as improvements to the status bar, advanced navigation, and enhanced screen-management capabilities. “In Windows 7, user environment customization and common tasks are more intuitive and take fewer clicks,” says their Senior Support Engineer. “The whole system is much easier to navigate and puts information right at my fingertips or within a couple of mouse clicks.”
- Enhanced security. AyrCD will use several of the advanced security features in Windows 7 after it has more widely deployed the operating system. For example, the company plans to use the updated BitLocker™ Drive Encryption feature to protect sensitive data if a computer is lost or stolen. “We’re always looking for ways to improve our level of security, and Windows 7 offers enhancements that we’ll put to good use,” says Donald.
- Easier management. AyrCD predicts that using the advanced Group Policy Preferences will give it greater control over the AyrCD environment. “I’ll be able to manage our network and keep our computers running more smoothly more of the time thanks to the granular level of management that the new operating system delivers,” says Donald. “Plus, the application compatibility of Windows 7 should make it possible to move to a single operating system, which will definitely reduce management requirements.”