Enterprises yet to migrate to Windows 7: Poll

BLUE BELL, USA: Results from a Unisys Corporation online poll conducted in March indicate that enterprises continue to "wait it out" when it comes to migrating to the Microsoft Windows 7 operating environment -- to their potential detriment.

The poll asked respondents to classify at what stage their organization is in with respect to their Windows 7 migration. Of the 133 responses, only 21 percent of respondents answered "Migration underway," while a combined 53 percent answered "Haven't started," or "Not migrating."  Twenty-five percent said that, at the time, they were "Piloting Windows 7."

"With support for Windows XP ending in 2014, we believe that IT management must act now to secure funding for a migration to Windows 7 and devise a plan by the end of 2011," said Sam Gross, vice president, Global IT Outsourcing Solutions, Unisys.

"It can be daunting to seek funding for transformative change at a time of stringent budget constraints. But a technology transition of this magnitude requires significant long-term effort, and IT organizations should get started right now to keep from being derailed by unanticipated priorities," adding Gross.

According to Unisys, which has significant experience in managing migrations to Windows 7 and other desktop operating environments for large enterprises, several factors are contributing to the sluggish pace of migration.

For example, budget pressures, coupled with concerns about prioritizing other crucial IT initiatives, are likely hampering organizations' current migration plans.

Gross also noted, "Acting now is even more urgent because support from independent software vendors for many applications in use or embedded within applications will likely end by 2013. CIOs need to get beyond misperceptions that could further delay or complicate migration initiatives."