Software giant Microsoft Corp is set to introduce the latest Windows 7 operating system in the market. The latest roll-out is highly anticipated by the public.

However, Microsoft is not limiting the grand launch to Windows 7 only. Come October 22, the Windows 7 XP Mode will also be made available to users. Microsoft said that the final development for the operating system has been completed.

What to Expect from the XP Mode

Windows XP Mode was developed to answer the needs of small businesses. With the development XP Mode, businesses running XP applications can migrate to Windows 7 without difficulties. The XP Mode is a standalone optional feature of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions.

Windows XP Mode works well with virtualization. Productivity applications including accounting and inventory control can greatly benefit for this special feature.

However, the new feature is not designed for applications that require hardware interfaces. Hardware like TV tuners, audio cards, and graphic card do not function effectively with virtualization.

So if your company needs lots of productivity applications that can run in Windows Virtual PC, then this feature is perfect for you.

Good Solution for Small Businesses

Everyone knows that small businesses have limited resources. That is why these companies always look at the cost and time factors when they upgrade their PCs.

Because Windows XP Mode can run most XP applications, small companies will not lose time when upgrading their PCs. They can also save a lot in the end. However, you have to take note XP Mode will not be able to run all XP applications.

XP Mode is composed of two important features. First, it has the virtual Windows XP environment. Second, it has the Windows Virtual PC which is needed to run the virtual environment.

Microsoft Gives Alternative for Big Companies

The design of XP Mode is aimed at small businesses. But Microsoft is also giving a low cost alternative for larger businesses. This special feature that can be used by large companies will be available within 3months after the release of Windows 7.

The alternative solution is called MED-V. This is part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. This special feature is a Windows Virtual PC management tool. It will be able to run two operating systems on a single device.

It facilitates centralized management and gives IT professionals the capability to deploy and manage Virtual Windows PC at a greatly reduced cost.

XP Mode and MED-V are especially designed to assist companies in deploying Windows 7 even before their applications are not yet ready to run on it. Observers believe that this could entail lots management issues for each PC.

What you can do is to prepare well for Windows 7 and resolve applications issues before starting the migration.

In order to get Windows XP Mode, you can download it directly from the Microsoft website. This is useful if you already have Windows 7 professional. You can also get it by getting a PC pre-installed with Windows XP Home.

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