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Flexera Introduces Software Suite To Smooth Transition To Windows 7

Applications usage management vendor Flexera Software is introducing a suite of software applications that it says can simplify the process of migrating businesses to Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system from Windows XP. AdminStudio Suite 10, available Tuesday, automates the transition project with a six-step process that includes inventorying apps, assessing compatibility, fixing compatibility issues and deploying the new OS.

A Gartner report says migration automation tools are becoming increasingly important as enterprises face an April 2014 deadline for Microsoft to end support of XP.

Flexera is offering the AdminStudio Suite as an alternative to various point solutions that perform just some of the tasks involved in a total migration project, says Maureen Polte, senior director of product management for Flexera. AdminStudio Suite is powered by the latest version of the Microsoft Installer (MSI) authoring and editing tool, InstallShield 2011, Flexera says.

The first step is an assessment of the present application environment, which can cover thousands of applications in large enterprises and multiple versions of popular apps like Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader, Polte says. The assessment tool integrates with Microsoft System Center Configuration Management.

"Having to support these multiple deployment environments and multiple versions makes it necessary to put more automation around and to approach this more strategically," she says.
The assessment leads to the next step of deciding whether some applications can be eliminated if they are duplicated or little used, which reduces migration time and expense.

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