I was reading a blog today that referenced a Corporate IT report that indicated that;
- 4% of companies currently use Vista versus 58% using XP
- 7% of companies are using Windows 200 (hopefully SP4)
- 35% of companies are not interested in Vista
- 30% were investigating Windows 7
You can find the report here: http://www.tif.co.uk/guest/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,73/
I have a healthy distrust of these kinds of reports due to potential reporting bias and other self-reporting errors. This was a relatively small study of 43 companies. Still, these numbers broadly support Microsoft's view that 6% are currently using Vista. Apologies for quoting this figure, as I can not back it up with a link to a graph or website as this is anecdotal information gleaned from my dealing with Microsoft UK and their US counterparts.
The last figure quoted relates to those companies that are investigating Windows 7. What does this mean? And, more importantly what are they investigating? With what hard data or technical specs.? My 11th grade used the phrase "marked paucity" when describing my limited ability to accurately represent a series of events, in chronological order, with a pen and paper. And so, I use this term to describe the REAL data about Windows 7.
There are few facts about Windows 7 that are readily available to the public - but one thing seems pretty apparent. Microsoft has made a huge investment in the Windows Vista (6) core or Kernel and will not be throwing it away too quickly. Windows 7 will be based on the Vista and Windows 2008 Server core.
If you are weighing up the challenges with migrating to Vista now, then Windows 7 may have more features but it may a number similar challenges found in Vista including;
- Driver Support
- Legacy Application components compatibility issues
- Security Restrictions
- Removal of 16-bit application support
My advice is to start planning for Vista now, and if Windows 7 is shipped on time (probably 2010) then your hard-work getting your portfolio and environment into shape will pay off quickly.
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