Application Compatibility Goals for Windows 7
The main Application Compatibility goal for Windows 7 is to make sure that most all applications which work on Windows Vista will continue to work seamlessly on Windows 7. Microsoft’s Application Compatibility Factory (AFC) is an initiative that teams Microsoft with service partners to help customers overcome the application compatibility challenge. CompuCom is a certified ACF partner and can deliver the services within the ACF program which will benefit your organization if you are currently deploying Windows Vista or Windows 7, and you need to identify potential application compatibility issues.
Key Benefits of ACF
Higher Quality:
• Microsoft validated partners and methodologies
• Access to product developers
• Cumulative experience and faster learning curves
Reduced Costs:
• High degree of partner specialization
• Global delivery
• Process automation
Faster Remediation:
• Specialized partners with dedicated capacity
• Cumulative experience and faster learning curves
• Access to latest tools and technology
Microsoft Support:
• Thorough training by Product Development
• Direct involvement in partner selection and validation processes
• Risk mitigation through access to product developers and SWAT teams
The Timing and Process
Timing:
• The Assessment Phase (approx. 1-2 Days)
• Win 7 ACF includes The Remediation Phase (approx. 3-4 Days)
Process:
CompuCom will –
• Determine organization’s applications inventory running on each and every desktop
• Installs the Microsoft’s Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) on the servers. Client agents get installed on each desktop that retrieve the number of applications and how they are used. Essentially, ACT is used to determine:
o List of apps that are installed on each desktop machine
o How are these apps used (whether they need admin access, need IE to work, etc.)
• Uses Microsoft’s Assessment and Planning Toolkit
o Provides information on whether machines are enabled with virtual technology
o Inventory and reporting of systems and apps on each machine
CompuCom’s dedicated Microsoft Service team delivers high value, accurate and timely engagements with 10+ years of industry experience. The CompuCom ACF program fits into CompuCom’s overall service portfolio, providing our clients with a full end to end solution.
For more information about the Application Compatibility Factory (AFC) and how CompuCom can assist, contact us at Microsoft.Practice@Compucom.com
Licensing and Version Information
Downgrade Rights:
- 18 months after the general availability of Windows 7 the OEM license of Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate will include downgrade rights to Windows XP Professional.
- After that period the OEM license will enable downgrade rights to Windows Vista Business.
- Volume Licenses and Active Software Assurance will continue to offer full downgrade rights.
Windows 7 Business Editions – Professional and Enterprise
Professional
Business-focused SKU for smaller companies who have multiple PCs and servers, networking, backup, and security needs. Available through OEM and retail channels.
Enterprise
Business-focused SKU for managed environments, advanced data protection, networking and security needs. Available through SA agreement.
Making the Experience Better Together with Windows 7
Windows Server 2008 R2 has many features that are designed specifically to work with client computers running Windows 7. Windows 7 is the next version of the Windows operating system from Microsoft. Features that are only available when running Windows 7 client computers with server computers running Windows Server 2008 R2 include:
Simplified remote connectivity for corporate computers by using the DirectAccess feature
One common problem facing most organizations is remote connectivity for their mobile users. One of the most widely used solutions for connecting remote users is a virtual private network (VPN) connection. Depending on the type of VPN, users may need to install VPN client software on their mobile computer and then establish the VPN connection over the Internet. The DirectAccess feature in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 allows Windows 7 client computers to directly connect to intranet-based resources without the complexity of establishing a VPN connection. The user has the same connectivity experience both in and outside of the office. The following figure contrasts the current VPN-based solutions with the DirectAccess solution.
Secured remote connectivity for private and public computers
Another common problem for remote users is the ability to access intranet-based resources from computers that are not owned by the user’s organization, such as public computers or Internet kiosks. Without a mobile computer provided by their organization, most users are unable to access intranet-based resources. A combination of the Remote Workspace, Presentation Virtualization, and Remote Desktop Gateway features allows users on Windows 7 clients to remotely access their intranet-based resources without requiring any additional software to be installed on the Windows 7 client. This allows your users to remotely access their desktop as though they were working from their computer on the intranet. From the user’s perspective, the desktop on the remote Windows 7 client transforms to look like the user’s desktop on the intranet, including icons, Start menu items, and installed applications that are identical to the user’s experience on his or her own computer. When the remote user closes the remote session, the remote Windows 7 client desktop environment reverts to the previous configuration.
Improved performance for branch offices
Driven by challenges of reducing cost and complexity of Branch IT, organizations are seeking to centralize applications. However, as organizations centralize applications the dependency on the availability and quality of the WAN link increases. A direct result of centralization is the increased utilization of the WAN link, and the degradation of application performance. Recent studies have shown that despite the reduction of costs associated with WAN links, WAN costs are still a major component of enterprises’ operational expenses.
More efficient power management
Windows 7 includes a number of power-management features that allow you to control power utilization in your organization with a finer degree of granularity than in previous operating systems. Windows 7 allows you to take advantage of the latest hardware developments for reducing power consumption in desktop and laptop computers. Windows Server 2008 R2 includes a number of Group Policy settings that allow you to centrally manage the power consumption of computers running Windows 7.
Improved virtualized desktop integration
Windows 7 introduces the RemoteApp & Desktop (RAD) feeds feature, which helps integrate desktops and applications virtualized by using Remote Desktop Services with the Windows 7 user interface. This integration makes the user experience for running virtualized applications or desktops the same as running the applications locally.
New Features
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Delivering desktop functionality using virtual machines hosted on servers—a solution known as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)—is an emerging model for desktop deployment that enables users to access their desktops remotely, thereby centralizing data, applications, and operating systems. VDI is a fast-evolving technology, and Windows 7 delivers the latest enhancements to provide a richer user experience and easier management for IT.
Management tools to Improve IT Productivity
Every IT enterprise IT department strives to manage large numbers of client computers effectively, make the most of available IT staff, and minimize support and training costs. Windows 7 management technologies enable powerful automation, troubleshooting, and configuration features—features that help IT pros become more productive, reduce costs, reduce support calls, and keep users productive while enabling more flexible configuration across the organization.
Compatibility with Windows Vista
Microsoft is committed to maximizing application compatibility between Windows Vista and Window 7. The majority of applications that already work on Windows Vista will continue to work with little or no issues. Much of the work done to mitigate applications in Windows Vista will carry over to Windows 7 deployments due to the underlying similarity of the two operating systems and efforts by Microsoft and its partners to provide compatibility. For example, application updates created for Windows Vista can be applied to Windows 7 as well.
Direct Access enhances Mobility and Manageability
Working outside the office is about to become a lot simpler. DirectAccess in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 enhances the productivity of mobile workers by connecting them seamlessly and more securely to their corporate network any time they have Internet access—without the need to VPN. When IT enables DirectAccess, the whole corporate network file shares, intranet Web sites, and line-of-business applications can remain accessible wherever you have an Internet connection.