Taken from:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9227470/Microsoft_s_upgrade_avalanche_a_challenge_for_IT_pros
Software companies (like Microsoft in this article) need to update software products almost continually. The first reason to update is to deliver better, faster, more robust products; the second reason to update is to fix mistakes and the third reason (okay, my opinion) is to make money!!! Companies like Microsoft only make money when somebody buys the product - no new products, no new income!!!
The article notes:
"IDG News Service - Microsoft is in the midst of an unprecedented, massive upgrade cycle for its enterprise software products, a refresh wave that represents a major challenge for CIOs and IT managers responsible for charting their companies' technology strategy.
Not only is Microsoft working on a major revamp of its flagship Windows operating system, but significant upgrades are coming to its Office products, the Explorer browser and a range of back-end enterprise products
BUT ... massive upgrades are tough on IT staffers. Having to install, push out, tweak for the enterprise, set security and other parameters can be a challenge to IT staff. Also IT mangers / CIO's need to see if the upgrade is really important - or can they still get by on the older versions? Colleges seem to get the newest and fastest (sometimes at great prices in the Microsoft Academic Alliance) - but businesses may not want to spend their money for upgrades / updates unless they are convinced it is worth it.
Some of the features that the article mentions are:
- new operating systems - include a touch system (like for smartphones, tablets)
- new version of Microsoft Explorer Browser (to be able to use the touch tools)
- updated Microsoft Office programs - including the Office 360 - which can be used on the web as a cloud application
- and more (like Sharepoint, SQL Server and other backend products)
So ... if you were the CIO of a major company - when would you update software in a tough economy?
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