Windows 7 could be cash cow for SIs

Windows 7 could be the "shot-in-the-arm" saviour for systems integrators managing enterprise migrations from XP to the new operating system - but some partners could miss out, according to analyst firm Ovum.

It wrote in a research note that there was a "distinct drop-off in organisational uptake of regular transitions to the ‘next' Windows release".

"There are many XP instances that are eight years old or more - a consequence of the general rejection of the transition to Vista," analysts Jens Butler and Adam Jura wrote.

"With extended support for XP due to be phased out by Microsoft in 2014, the clock is ticking and pent-up demand for a new platform certainly exists.

"From an IT services providers' perspective, particularly those offering systems integration services, this could well be the shot in the arm that initiates a wave of implementation work moving into 2010 and beyond, especially when aligned with the current hardware refresh cycle."

The analysis confirmed earlier reports on CRN that Microsoft partners were primed to offer prospective Windows 7 customers a range of audit and migration services to help them plan and deploy the new architecture.

But Ovum also warned that not all partners would benefit from the Windows 7 cash cow.

"For some partners, the inclusion of additional functionality within Windows 7 could negatively impact potential revenues," the analysts said.

"Windows 7's DirectAccess technology enables remote workers access to corporate networks without a VPN, which could impact some of Microsoft's partners.

"Microsoft believes that this will not hurt partners too much, expecting them to provide more functional, value-driven VPN solutions. Expect the security area to be greatly analysed," the analysts said.

Overall, the analysts wwere positive about Windows 7: "Critically, Microsoft has involved a wider number of stakeholders and has worked closely with its mission-critical partner ecosystem to give the product more chance of getting to market quickly and in a cleaner state."