Dell looks to fast-track SMBs off Windows XP

Dell is offering a speedier migration service to businesses who have left the shift from Windows XP to the last minute.

The PC maker claims its new service will make it easier for small and medium-sized firms to upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8 before Microsoft pulls the plug on XP in April next year, saying it can typically handle the job in only 16 weeks.

Dell’s Windows Migration Fast Forward Service lets IT managers pick from a collection of modules, such as app inventory and compatibility testing, according to their needs. The company said businesses could either jump-start the migration process or fast-forward one already taking place for up to 5,000 PCs.

This is an industry-wide issue that many of our customers are dealing with right now

Dell said a fifth of PCs still run Windows XP, despite support for the OS coming to an end in April. Separate statistics from Netmarketshare pin that figure at closer to 30% of PCs.

Dell hasn’t published details on what its service might cost. The company hasn’t responded to a request for comment.

Time is running out

Analysts have warned that leaving migration too late could prove expensive for businesses, who run security and compatibility risks by using out-of-date software. Research from one software company found that less than half of businesses had started the migration process in April.

According to Microsoft, that process can take up to 30 months, and the company discounted Windows 8 earlier this year in a bid to get small and medium-sized business off XP.

“This is an industry-wide issue that many of our customers are dealing with right now,” said Dell’s infrastructure and cloud computing general manager, Kevin Jones.