Companies wishing to upgrade the operating system of PCs is the Windows XP or Vista, for the newly released Windows 7 may run into a simpler process to take into account some tricks to manage this process and thus avoid conflicts during the update.

To simplify this migration, especially among small and medium businesses that normally do not have an IT department organized experts pointed out seven key steps to be followed for an upgrade without trauma.

Test the compatibility of the machine
According to Forrester Research data, even after two and a half years lançameto the official view on the market, Windows XP is still used by 86% of companies using the Microsoft platform.

The problem that this group of companies can not migrate from XP directly to Windows 7 , at least not with the 'ease' of those who have adopted Vista. And that poses a serious challenge.

First, the hardware may not have the necessary drivers, memory and other compatible components.

Noting the difficulty of migration, the company created the Persystent Software Persystent Suite , which offers tools that test the PC and check disk space and compatibility of components with the new operating system.

The application can help network administrators determine which computer s can handle an update of the operating system, or what will have to upgrade your hardware to the system to be updated.

Plans for licenses
Unlike XP, Windows 7 offers several versions that must be considered by companies when the migration is decicida. Experts say three of these versions should be evaluated.

The first would be the Windows 7 Professional, and more affordable option that is available via the OEM channel sales, distribution or volume licensing.

Windows 7 Enterprise is the edition that provides companies the right to return if they have a Windows license that you have Microsoft Software Assurance coverage - a maintenance program for Microsoft software offered as optional on volume licensing.

The Enterprise version offers additional features that may be considered relevant global organizations, such as DirectAccess networking tool that allows mobile users who connect to the corporate network without using VPN or BranchCache tools.

Since Windows 7 Ultimate is more geared to end users, because it is sold through volume licensing - but can be used as a media center in a corporate environment.

Application Compatibility
Not only the hardware that needs to be checked. The proprietary applications and drivers must also pass the scrutiny of compatibility. This type of test will indicate potential problems that may occur after installing Windows 7.

There are third-party applications that run automatically and detect machinery problems, issuing detailed reports. Companies like CA and Persystent Software offer this type of tool to test.

Take advantage of automation
For many companies, to acquire an enterprise software to assist in migrating systems can generate high costs. But experts contend that migrate or manage a Windows 7 without an automation technology will overwhelm the department and cause problems during implementation.

Large companies often already have an automated management system, but small and medium businesses often can not afford this type of software. To work around this, Microsoft offers a free tool which does the work.

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 has been optimized to support the demands of Windows 7 and has built-in functionality that can assist the migration from Windows XP to Windows 7. The MDT 2010 Beta 2 is now available for download on the company website.

Consider virtualization
The release of Windows 7 is causing companies to consider another new technology: virtualization. The promise that the new system eases management and improves the security of virtual systems, may lead consumers to invest in this endeavor.

Microsoft offers two products that take advantage of virtualization. The Microsoft Application Virtualization helps reduce the idle time of users making applications related to Windows as a central and necessary to the management.

Have Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization allows network administrators to create, deliver and centralize the management of a virtual environment with Windows XP or 2000 (based on Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 ).

In addition to the Microsoft tools, other third party - such as VMware and Citrix - can also improve the performance of virtual desktop and provide viable alternatives for a migration to Windows 7.

Replace the hardware
For some companies, however, a migration plan can become a replacement plan. Desktop and notebook s obsolete can be more easily replaced than maintained. In addition, new machines have come out with the new system installed and ready to support the new features of Windows 7.

According to experts, the global economic crisis has caused many companies to postpone their return equipment to the economic recovery. And this can happen in early 2010, with mass substitutions made by companies.

If a consumer buys a PC with Windows 7 with optimization features like faster startup, time to shut down faster and more battery life, user productivity will increase significantly.

Prepare for the management of corrections
Any management plan should include a client system management one of the fixes (patches).

Before migrate to the new operating system, IT administrators should be aware of how the upgrade will impact the management procedures of the corrections and also ensure that policies are new and necessary correction.

In addition, many vendors offering automation tools within the package migration, could also offer fixes for companies that adopt Windows 7.

For administrators, the facility is able to make a single download with the fix and then distribute it internally, in a process that is faster and less annoying to the subscriber devices.