With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft is again offering a wide array of choices in versions of the operating system. However, if you are looking at buying Windows 7 for your business you should only really be looking at three versions, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate.
Windows 7 Professional boasts all the functionality that is needed for virtually any small to medium sized business. It offers compatibility with many programs designed for Windows, new and old. One of the big downsides to Windows Vista that prevented many businesses from upgrading was that Vista broke functionality in older programs that were not designed to work with the added security features of the operating system. If those programs have not yet been updated Windows 7 Professional can help solve that problem, and allow you to finally upgrade from Windows XP. The way that Windows 7 solves this problem is through a feature called Windows XP Mode, which uses a virtualization technology that is nearly transparent to you and your staff, which allows you to continue using your older programs without breaking them. Windows XP Mode is not available in any of the Home versions of Windows 7.
Security is (or it should be) a concern of all businesses today. Windows 7 Professional can help your business in this area as well. Professional, unlike the Home versions, offers an Encrypting File System, which is a technology that protects your files and folders from prying eyes. Backing up data is also something that everyone should be doing, however many do not because of the hassle involved in making those backups. With the Automatic data backups functionality, data can be backed up to your network without having to remember to manually run the backup, thus taking the pain out of the process.
With Windows 7 Professional, you also have the ability to join a Windows Active Directory Domain at your business. An Active Directory Domain is a system that runs on a Windows Server and manages your staff’s network passwords and other settings. All businesses with more than 10 employees should have an Active Directory Domain. With the any of the Home versions of Windows 7 you cannot join an Active Directory Domain, and must manually manage your passwords and computer settings.
If your business requires more complex functionality Microsoft offers the Windows 7 Enterprise version. This version of Windows 7 gives your staff access to all of the functionality found in the Professional version of Windows 7 and more. One technology, not found in any of the other versions of Windows 7 is BranchCache, which if enabled with Windows 2008 R2 Servers, can limit the amount of redundant network data that is passed between remote offices and your main office or data center. This allows your remote staff to be more productive as they will not have to wait on certain network functions, such as password authentication. These network functions would be processed locally in their office instead of being sent over a slower network link.
Enterprise also offers added security through Microsoft’s Bitlocker technology, which allows you to securely encrypt the data on the hard drive of your computers. This is especially useful in the event that a computer is lost or stolen, as the data on the hard drive, including Windows itself is useless unless Bitlocker is deactivated by the user upon boot or login. Bitlocker can also be extended to protect mobile devices and usb keys through Bitlocker To Go.
Finally, Microsoft also offers the Windows 7 Ultimate edition. In Ultimate you will find virtually the same functionality as you found in Windows 7 Enterprise. Yes, they are the same, except for one main thing, you cannot buy Windows 7 Enterprise. The Enterprise version is only available to businesses that buy their Microsoft licenses though a Volume license with a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement. For everyone else there is the Ultimate version.
As you can see, there are a plethora of things to take into account when choosing the right version of Windows 7 for your business to maximize value on your investment. Luckily, there are many resources available to you to help you make the right decision. Many of these resources can be found on the Web, but you should also consider speaking with an independent IT expert or a Microsoft Licensing specialist get the right fit.
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