 Focus: Four Steps to a Smart Application Strategy
Are your applications ready to migrate successfully to Windows 7? Are you sure you know what ready looks like? Here are four steps that give you the basics to build an app strategy.
Step 1: Gather
Make sure you have the right tools and adequate resources to produce a comprehensive application inventory. You may need more manpower in the field to uncover applications, or you may need some extra help leveraging tools like Altiris to help figure out what's on the desktop. You'll also want to ensure you have a systematic process in documenting your applications.
Step 2: Assess/Prioritize
Once you know what you have, you need to decide what you want to continue to use. This process requires an open dialog with the application owners and some frank discussions. Do we really need three PDF creators? Home grown applications also have to be looked at - is there an application or tool on the market that achieves the same result? Once the analysis is done the apps need to be prioritized - is this a business critical (or core) app? Whittle it down - don't assume you have to deploy every application. Once you have your prioritized list you'll need to review versions, upgrades, and any other factors that may come into play when you make your final applicaton list.
Step 3: Test
Put together a team of application owners and get started on testing using the target hardware and software version. Build test plans, give direction and make sure you collect the feedback you need. Note: Even if the software is Windows 7 compliant, it should be tested in your environment!
Step 4: Remediate
Use your testing feedback to remediate applications with issues. Consider upgrading the application, virtualizing it or seeking expert assistance to work through the challenges.
Bottom line: It's critical to think in terms of complexity, not just sheer numbers. It's not the number of apps that migrate - it's what you need to do to get them working in Windows 7. Your goal is to make your applications strategy bullet-proof or risk missing key application issues or wasting time in complex packaging that you may not be equipped for (or re-packaging if things go awry the first time around).
We're happy to answer your questions in our upcoming FREE application webinar (see below) or contact us for a two-hour application assessment or application packing quote.
| 
