Time to eliminate Windows XP?

Analyst Gartner has recommended that companies should be testing and implementing a migration plan to Windows 7 and stop using XP by the end of 2012.

The deadline is looming, as Microsoft ends support for XP in April 2014, and new versions of third party applications are not expected to run on the incumbent platform. Gartner suggests companies decide now how to manage the migration, either by a ‘forklift’ approach and changing all systems at once, or over a period of time.

Both methods will necessitate the support of multiple Windows operating systems, and Gartner estimates that most organisations need 12 to 18 months for planning, testing and piloting.

“Organisations should take into account when their ISVs will provide sufficient Windows 7 support for their applications and when they will have enough time to test applications, build images and pilot Windows 7.  This will give them their start date,” said Gartner vice president Michael Silver.