Windows 7 and “The New Efficiency” Launch in Phoenix!

I know it sounds like a new band, but “The New Efficiency” is Microsoft’s view of how IT can leverage the power of software and hardware to enable business success. 100+ technical decision makers and Microsoft staff were at the Biltmore hotel in Phoenix on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 to see some of the newest offerings from Microsoft. Although much of the focus in the next few months will be on the consumer aspects of Windows 7 and related technologies, the clear focus of this event is what these technologies can do for corporations.

Windows 7 was the star of the show along with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010. In a break from past launches where showmanship and hyperbole were in ample supply, this launch was not only subdued, it was downright cerebral. Microsoft pulled in executive heavy-hitters Margo Day, Regional VP of SMS&P and Tami Reller, CFO and VP of the Windows Business Group to lead the discussions and Q&A portions of the morning. Steve Ballmer was simulcast from the launch in San Francisco where he set the theme for “The New Efficiency” approach.

According to Steve, businesses that thrive in the current environment and in the future will intelligently address three initiatives or dimensions of “The New Efficiency”:

1. Cost Savings – The opening dialog, but not the “be all, end all.” Companies that stop at this point will fail in the long term.

2. Productivity – Steve related an old theme of “do more with less” and turned it on its ear to become “with less (especially staff), do more”.

3. Innovation – The real linchpin of success. Companies that innovate will outperform and outlast the competition.

Continental Airlines was held up as an example of all three initiatives in a single project. Partnering with the TSA, Continental developed a paperless boarding pass using cell phones. In Steve’s view, this project encompassed all three dimensions of the new efficiency and is the kind of project that can compete for fixed IT budgets and get funding.

Although new form factors are emerging in the hardware space, the PC/Laptop is still the place for “thoughtful work and collaboration” which is a new term for me. Windows 7 shines in this space and instead of highlighting a laundry list of new features; the emphasis is on making work simpler, faster and more responsive to the individual’s way of working. A brief demo of a day in the life of a road warrior focused on common tasks made easy by the combination of products released today:

Scenario – “Aaron” is on the road heading for a significant presentation on the financial state of an organization…

1. In the airport he starts Outlook Web App and receives an email with “Financial Results” in the subject line.

a. Exchange Server 2010 has an Information Rights Management (IRM) rules engine built-in that flags the message (because of the phrase in the subject line), encrypts it, and requires a connection to the corporate network in order to see the contents.

b. Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have a new “DirectAccess” capability that seamlessly connects to the corporate network (without a VPN) and validates Aaron’s ability to view the message and extract the information needed.

2. One of the files Aaron receives was prepared using Excel 97 which is incompatible with Windows 7…

a. Aaron’s Windows 7 version has application virtualization built-in so he simply double clicks the app and a virtual session launches enabling him to transfer information from the old file to his new report.

3. Moving back and forth is simplified in Windows…

a. Aaron uses Jump Lists from the improved Task Bar to go directly to the tools/files he needs.

b. When he has a slight hiccup (user error), he uses the Problem Step Recorder to record mouse clicks, screen information and user input to forward to a support technician for assistance.

4. After preparing the report, Aaron secures it before handing it off to an executive to present…

a. Since his machine has BitLocker enabled for data encryption, Aaron also secures the data on a thumb drive by using the new BitLocker To Go enhancement to secure the data. The executive can read the data with a built in reader for XP or Vista.

As I said before, this was not a flashy demo at all but the focus was on simple, efficient ways to get the job done. Steve came back on stage after the demo to answer some questions that were emailed in. Here are some samples:

How do I get business support for moving from XP to Windows 7?
Let Microsoft do 60% of the heavy lifting to help frame the discussion points and make the case. The three dimensions of the new efficiency are key.

Our R&D budget is not growing. How do I get funding for new initiatives?
Not all projects get funded even in a good economy. Good ideas, well presented, will get funding. Make sure yours are in the top 5-6. Take some of the cost out of the equation by using Exchange and SharePoint online.

Is the trend towards the consumerization of technology affecting Microsoft?
Of course! This is not a new trend; everyone in an organization is a consumer.

Todd Logan, a Microsoft Technical Specialist wrapped up the day with a detailed look at some of the business scenarios where Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Exchange 2010 can help organizations improve their impact on productivity and the bottom line.

For More Information:

If you are in the Phoenix area, please feel free to follow-up with me directly (dan.willis@microsoft.com). There are many resources at Microsoft dedicated to helping you and your organization excel.

The New Efficiency Site
http://vepexp.microsoft.com/thenewefficiency

Windows 7 Technical Library Roadmap
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd349342(WS.10).aspx

Windows Server 2008 R2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx

Exchange Server 2010
http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/2010/en/us/default.aspx