KBOX update simplifies Windows 7 migration

KACE is updating its K2000 systems management box to include a module that allows you to migrate to Windows 7. Although there are plenty of products that promise similar benefits, KACE seems to be cornering the market for appliance-based products that are very easy to use — see our full review from August 2009.

Windows 7 seems to be on the roadmap of most enterprises, large and small, with a survey of 1200 IT professionals commissioned by KACE showing that 60 to 70 percent planned to roll out Microsoft's new OS within the next 12-36 months. Not today, but soon-ish. The survey also revealed that 83 percent of organisations are likely to skip Vista altogether and migrate directly from Windows XP to the Windows 7.

The main barriers they cited along the road to migration were (in descending order): software compatibility; new hardware requirements; and (interestingly) user training.

Microsoft in its infinite wisdom doesn't provide a direct upgrade path from XP to Windows 7, which is where the K2000 comes in. KACE reckons that it simplifies the migration from either Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7, saving organisations time and money.

So if you need to automate the process, which means you might get more weekends to yourself, take a look at the new KACE K2000. Existing users will get the Windows 7 patch as a free upgrade, while a new box will cost you in the region of £6,000.

Manek Dubash