Hasta la Vista

ACN spoke to a number of prominent IT professionals to find out what they think of Windows’ latest operating system in comparison to its predecessor.

Saji Mathew, CIO, JAFZA

No we aren't using Vista. There was no pressing business need for an immediate changeover, especially considering the time and resources required for such an activity.

Indirectly XP's success has had an effect on Vista - by eliminating the "stability" driver for usual release upgrades. We will upgrade when there is a strong business driver - either technically or by functionality, or to avoid obsolescence.

Constantin Vaduvac, assistant IT manager, UAE University

We have installed it on some computers but it has not been globally applied yet, partly because we are looking to upgrade the hardware. From what I know they will be ready to go for it soon though.

We are on XP at the moment. XP is going to be out of support in one or two years and most of the applications are going to Vista. Apps we use internally need to be compatible with Vista because there are issues with some of them.

Ahmad Almulla, CIO, Dubai Aluminum Company (Dubal)

No, we are not using Vista. Dubal has used Windows XP on its desktops since 2003. Dubal IT is a service provider to the business and provides it with what it requires to run the business successfully.

The current needs are being met by Windows XP. Dubal IT does not immediately embrace newer technologies from Microsoft until they have stabilised as a product.

Migration to Vista may require a change in the current existing computer systems at Dubal which needs to be evaluated prior to taking a decision. I don't think XP's success has really hurt Vista.

However, the change in hardware requirements for moving from XP to Vista has made it more difficult. Also, non-compatibility of drivers for various peripherals has aggravated the situation.

We will commence the evaluation and identify the changes required in our current existing set-up to switch to Vista. If the changes required are minimal then we may initiate a project soon, otherwise it may take longer.

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