Our Mission
In the final quarter of 2006, Microsoft is expected to release Windows VistaTM, the successor operating system (OS) to the current Windows XP (all versions). Shortly thereafter, in 2007, the follow-on to Windows Server 2003, currently codenamed Longhorn Server is projected to debut.
As with every new OS, there will be pain.
Despite Microsofts best intentions, non-compliant, and/or poorly-written software, be it drivers, application software, or utilities, will cause serious incompatibilities across the board. And we are just talking about errant software! For others, aka 'compliant' software, the compatibility issues inherent in any evolutionary upgrade can make many a company assume that the status quo is 'good enough'.
However, is the status quo really good enough?
This is a question that will be asked several times over the next few months, rising to a deafening crescendo in the days leading to, and immediately following the release of VistaTM.
In anticipation of this, Logikworx, an SMB Systems & Security solutions Integrator using Microsoft technologies, based in Marina Del Rey, California, decided to set up a family of websites, under AbsoluteVista.com, dedicated to bringing you information on VistaTM as it relates to small- and medium-sized businesses.
We will not generally have scoops. Nor first-to-tell information there are lots of sites dedicated to that. What we will bring you is news and information relevant to small businesses. We will help transition from XP and Windows 2000. And we will attempt to ease the pain.
SmallBizVista.com will be your source for in-depth reviews of Windows VistaTM, Microsoft Office 2007, currently in beta as Office 12 Beta 1, Microsoft Office Live, and the associated Windows Live offerings, Longhorn Server, and describe a migratory route you can take from your current platform to the future. We will also describe how you can take advantage of licensing programs offered by Microsoft to small and medium businesses.
We, contrary to current thought, encourage small businesses to upgrade to VistaTM immediately upon release.
Why?
Barring any unforeseen last minute eventualities, our experience with VistaTM from the release of Beta 1 back on August 3rd of 2005. Without a doubt, the security and usability enhancements alone make upgrading to VistaTM a no-brainer.
The ROI on this investment can be, for even the smallest business with five (5) or more staff, easily recouped.
Additionally, this is where Microsofts Software Assurance and Microsoft Licensing programs start to shine; as they provide a lower entry cost for upgrades, while protecting your investment in Microsoft software for the duration of the contract.
For the companies at the top of the SMB scale, or with a lot of ISV-developed software, we can point you in the direction of competent developers who would help in your migration.
In our reviews, we will use ordinary desktops and server configurations similar to what small businesses use. No esoteric hardware here. We will also use our Standard Business Desktop: Microsoft Office Small Business Edition.
SmallBizVista.com will utilize resources available to us from Logikworxs facilities in the US, Africa, and Great Britain.