If you haven’t already heard of the consumerization of IT, get your head out the sand. The days of IT being the sole decision-maker about which software and hardware is used at an enterprise are nearly over. Employees are bringing their personal tastes, and their personal devices, into work and IT is caving.

Consumerization is not just affecting smart phone use in business; it’s also playing a role in XP-to-Windows-7 upgrades. In a report from late 2010, the Forrester research firm urged IT leaders to give users what they want.

One reason, and an important one, is that consumer satisfaction is high with Windows 7. Another, cited in an article written by CIO’s Shane O’Neill, is that user demand for the OS could kick-start deployments and shorten the time needed to support both XP and 7. That’s good for IT, and good for a company’s bottom line.

Windows XP is still king in business, according to Forrester, but not for long. Writes O’Neill: “The [Forrester] report acknowledges that Windows XP is still the dominant enterprise OS (75 percent of all companies surveyed are running it), but also finds that Windows 7 migrations are on the verge of busting out. Forty-six percent of firms report that they have already begun or will begin deploying Windows 7 within the next 12 months. Forty-two percent say they will deploy Windows 7 in more than 12 months.”

Once you have convinced IT to upgrade you, take a look at these Windows 7 resources.

Shortcuts

CIO magazine has a wealth of information about Windows 7, both for the IT worker and the end user. Here’s a sampling of some Windows 7 shortcuts from a recent article:

• Ctrl + Shift + N: Creates a new folder anywhere (almost) on your Windows 7 PC.
• Windows Key + Space Bar: Minimizes all open windows and shows the desktop.
• Windows Key + T: Enables you to toggle through open apps pinned in the Win 7 taskbar.
• Windows Key + Plus (+) or Minus (-) Key: Zooms in or out of any application.

For CIO’s full list, see “Windows 7: 10 keyboard shortcuts”

Gadgets

Windows Gadgets are mini-programs that provide quick information and one-click access to frequently used tools (like the calendar, clock, news bites and more).  As expected, with Windows 7, more gadgets are available. Here’s a sampling of TechRepublic’s top 10:

• Clipboard Manager: Enables you to save up to 999 clips. You can delete any clip or send it to the clipboard or to your favorites list with a right-click. Other pluses: You can create boilerplate text, mark clips with timestamps and save images.
• App Launcher: Works just like the Quick Launch bar but can be placed anywhere you want on the desktop.

See the rest of TechRepublic’s 10 gadgets here. Also, TechRepublic’s “10 Things” blog always has useful information, whether you are a tech novice or a code junkie. You can find it here.

Jenny Sweeney Windows 7, Windows 7 & Office 2007 Migration

Myth: Office 2007 support needs fade within just a couple weeks of deployment.
Reality: Providing support and training to information workers before, during and after deployment is crucial to early and sustained adoption. The new interface is designed to make people aware of features they never found in the old versions. Information workers will continue to discover these new features for months after deployment and they will need ongoing help using them. It is unreasonable to expect the help desk to have found and mastered the features that were so well hidden in previous versions of Office. Above average migration call volume can be expected to last as long as six months, as call volume is linear throughout the migration. The peaks in volume will crest most noticeably during the initial installations. During months 1-3, call volume for how to questions on Office 2007 can spike to a 50 percent increase, drop to an average of 30 percent during months 4-6 and then continue to decline. 

 Myth:  Migrating to Office 2007 is like every other software upgrade or switchover.
Reality: The application looks radically different and is a complete overhaul of the user interface. There are no menus and no toolbars. Many information workers won’t even be able to open files without training and assistance. In past upgrades, an information worker’s knowledge of how to get to the features in the previous version was 95 percent effective in the new version. For Office 2007, it is zero percent effective.    

 Myth: Information workers will benefit from Windows 7 without training and support
Reality: A learning curve is guaranteed when information workers, or even an internal help desk staff, are faced with tools, applications or operating systems that look differently. A lack of proper training and support will prolong the adoption period. Maximizing the productivity increase — and resultant ROI — from the new tools in Windows 7 requires training in the theory and support in the practice of using the new tool. Read more myths and realities of an Office 2007 and Windows 7 migration and eight service levels needed to prove migration ROI http://www.pchelps.com/html/o2007mythsrealitiesroi.asp

Jenny Sweeney How To, Office 2007, Office 2007 Migration Assurance Program, ROI, Uncategorized, Windows 7, Windows 7 & Office 2007 Migration migrations, Office 2007 Migration Assurance Program, Windows 7

Despite the reports that IT spending is down, CIOs are still expected to keep their IT infrastructures current, which may mean committing to a Windows 7 and Office 2007 migration.

Choosing the right migration partner could mean the difference between the championship or an epic loss.

As with any major investment, IT leaders are responsible for proving the value behind the purchase — no matter the economic climate. In an economic dip like the one we are riding out now, the focus on ROI is doubled.

Most IT leaders realize that a Windows 7 & Office 2007 deployment requires coordination, planning and oversight, and they know which areas need to be assessed and addressed. As a result, most bring in a third party for migration assistance.

Champion your migration and prove ROI with these eight service practices:

1. First-Level Analyst Certification: Providing certified computer consultants (Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows 7 launch partners) results in higher first-call resolution rates based on their core competencies. Information workers are less likely to be placed on hold or passed through a tiered-level support structure. Applying a simple analogy, it is probable that the golfer playing five to six times a week will outperform someone who hits the links a few Sundays a month.
2. Domestic vs. Offshore Staff: The ribbon and overall look of the Office 2007 interface compared to previous versions will test IT staff and information workers. Adding potential language barriers will no doubt raise the challenges.
3. Maintain 24-7 and After-Hours Coverage: Forgo skeleton crews or lower-level support during off-hours and deliver constant, world-class Office 2007 and Windows 7 support and training outlets throughout the entirety of deployment. Many organizations employ staff globally or remotely, in addition to a nine-to-five crew. Don’t penalize employees for working in a different time zone or after hours by providing less-than-stellar service.
4. Deliver Advanced Level Office 2007 & Windows 7 Support: As IT leaders begin to see ROI during the early phases of the migration, information workers will have begun navigating their way around the ribbon and will begin finding additional and more advanced time-saving features. Support avenues should mirror these advanced-level requests and should not be treated with any less urgency than basic-level requests made during the initial migration phase. Avoid tier-structured support models to keep service levels high and reduce worker frustration and downtime.
5. Number of Software and Mobile Device Applications Supported: Requiring a migration partner that is familiar with applications and mobile devices outside the Office suite can be critical to the complexity of Office 2007 calls. Based on statistics collected over the past 18 months, many information workers begin their support requests by referring to what they could do in previous versions and want to see those same steps applied to this new version.* Additionally, Office 2007 and Windows 7 is just as often expected to work in correlation with other applications including BlackBerry and Windows Mobile.
6. Training: Instruction before, during and after a migration is a key element in measuring ROI. Everyone learns at a different pace, so having a multitude of training options is best, i.e., self-service, on-demand, web-based, individual and customized. Being able to identify and deliver targeted training needs, solution-based metrics and measurable productivity gains can justify several portions of an Office 2007 and Windows 7 investment. Read more…

Jenny Sweeney econolypse, ROI, Windows 7 & Office 2007 Migration BlackBerry, golf, migration, Outsourcing, productivity, Windows Mobile

In the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball world they have March Madness. Since its 1939 inception, the tournament has built a legacy that includes dynasty teams and dramatic Cinderella stories.

History, though, has taught us that for all of the great underdog stories that exist, the top-seeded teams that have a firm strategic game plan and a strong foundation of raw talent and skill win more championships.

In the IT, help desk and end-user services world we face a similar big event, a Windows 7 and Office 2007 migration. Based on execution, IT leaders can come out a champion, creating their own Cinderella story by proving ROI, increasing productivity and demonstrating end-user confidence and early adoption, instead of assumed chaos. Conversely, IT leaders can end up the loser, crippling productivity, frustrating end-users and damaging help desk service levels if they show up with an inadequate team and insufficient game plan.

Champion your migration – click here for a top-seeded team and strategic game plan.

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Jenny Sweeney Windows 7 & Office 2007 Migration basketball, March Madness, migration, Office 2007, Windows 7