This week at the 15th annual Tech�Ed 2007 conference, Microsoft Corp. discussed how leading businesses such as Cerner Corp., Charter Communications and Continental Airlines Inc. are making the move to Windows Vista� to lower IT costs, improve security and enhance worker productivity. The company also announced new tools and services to help customers migrate to Windows Vista, including the Data Encryption Toolkit for Mobile PCs, Windows Vista-ready components of the Microsoft� Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance, the recently released Virtual Hard Disk Test Drive Program for Windows Vista Enterprise Edition, and an update to the Microsoft Application Compatibility Factory service.

�Businesses typically take a cautious approach to deploying a new operating system release,� said Al Gillen, research vice president, System Software at IDC. �That�s true with Windows Vista as well, but we�re seeing more businesses begin the testing and planning process, which will lead to more companies investing the time and effort to roll out the new operating system across their organizations.�

Making the move to a new operating system is not a trivial undertaking for companies with hundreds or even thousands of PCs and applications; a successful transition requires a planning, testing and deployment process that minimizes the requirements placed on IT staff and the disruption of end users� work. Having the right resources available to streamline this process is critical, which is why Microsoft continues to make new services and tools available to aid businesses in their deployment efforts. At Tech�Ed, Microsoft is announcing the addition of the following services and tools: