Workplace Transformation With Microsoft Vista
05 Feb 2007
EDS Plays Key Role In Microsoft Vista Launch and In Helping Clients Make the Transition
Software giant and EDS Agility Alliance partner Microsoft recently announced that its latest operating system, Microsoft Vista, is now available for businesses looking to migrate to the new technology.
At the official launch, EDS stood by Microsoft's side as one of its preferred global information technology (IT) services partners.
In tandem with Microsoft's product announcement, EDS offers clients an end-to-end transformation planning and deployment service. The offering includes a complete analysis of a client's current desktop environment using the EDS patented Rightstep® methodology to determine when and how to make the migration to Vista.
“We are totally in sync and lock step with Microsoft in helping customers migrate to Vista,” said Ranjana Chopra, Workplace Management Services product manager for EDS.
An End-to-End Offering
The new operating system includes enhanced features and benefits that businesses can gain from, particularly in security and mobility. But upfront planning and preparations will be required for clients to successfully make the transition.
With the transformation planning service, EDS is prepared to help clients anticipate and manage impacts to their businesses. Vista has many implications for existing applications and hardware, making effective preparation critical for the 3 million desktops EDS manages globally.
For instance, the operating system is not compatible with certain personal computers and applications. Clients need to fully understand the impact migrating to Vista could have on their infrastructure. That's where EDS' knowledge and experience with Vista is a valuable resource for clients.
Over the past year, as Microsoft has been preparing for its biggest product launch since it released Windows 95, EDS has migrated more than 500 desktops to a test version of the Vista platform. Working with the operating system, EDS engineers around the world have gained training and experience with the new technology and, in turn, provide Microsoft with valuable feedback to enhance and improve the product's capabilities.
In that time, EDS engineers have learned the ins and outs of Vista. “EDS can be proactive in saying this is what is going to be required upfront. We can share the lessons we've learned and make a positive impact so clients don't have to go through the pain themselves,” Chopra said.
EDS is also involved in a number of Microsoft programs that give EDS access to the software company's best practices and through which EDS engineers are provided additional training.
Analysts predict businesses cannot avoid migrating to the new operating system and recommend that companies begin assessing their current systems soon because it will take an average of 12 to 18 months to complete the transition. If a company decides to wait until 2008, for example, deployment won't be possible until 2010.
Path To Implementation
EDS is committed to Vista and managing the transformation for clients. Rob Schilperoort, vice president of EDS' Product Management, made that clear in a video shown at the Vista launch event in New York.
“As one of the largest managers of Microsoft software in the world, we want to prepare our clients now for Windows Vista,” Schilperoort said. “And through our partnership with Microsoft, EDS can deliver a clear and stable path for Vista implementation.”
The launch of Vista, along with Office 2007 and Microsoft's other 2007 product versions, are part of the company's People-Ready Business campaign. The $700 million marketing campaign is all about enabling productivity, connectivity and security for enterprise clients.
“Microsoft is taking a leadership position in the enterprise with their People-Ready Business vision of innovative products enhancing collaboration, productivity and security while improving operational efficiency,” said Steve Blacklock, Microsoft alliance director for EDS. “EDS has an excellent opportunity to take advantage of our Agility Alliance partner's investment and lead ourselves and our clients into this innovative workplace transformation. The EDS-Microsoft Agility Alliance vision is the People-Ready Business, delivered by EDS.”