Windows 7 launches in all mainstream markets tomorrow, but some organizations have been using the new OS for quite some time now. After all, the finalized RTM code has been floating around since July.
Interestingly, early adopters in the enterprise space are already seeing appreciable gains from the new OS, finding that Windows 7 saves both time and money. (Considering the belief that time is money, then does that mean that Windows 7 saves money and money?)
Saving money:
As described in a Computerworld report, Pella Corp., a window and door maker in Des Moines, used the group policy controls in Windows 7 to help better manage power use. By using group policy features, the company noticed significant power savings. In fact, the company's IT director conservatively estimated that the use of Windows 7 will result in about $20,000 in annual power savings once the OS is deployed fully throughout the business.
Saving time:
Energizer, the battery company with that pink bunny, has been running a Windows 7 pilot program. Randy Benz, CIO of Energizer, said Windows 7 boots up about 80 percent faster than XP.
"We're seeing a radical change from what we're experiencing with XP," said Benz. "My pet peeve is boot-up time with XP. It seems the longer you use it, the worse it gets."
Other IT managers pointed out that new screen management capabilities, such as Aero Peek and other taskbar features, could also help call center employees cut down on time spent per call.
