For the Shop Direct Group

Mar 2, 2010 15:10 GMT  ·  By

The success of Windows 7 needs to be measured on two fronts, in accordance with its customers. Microsoft itself makes this separation in the way it sells licenses for the OS. Windows 7 is available through retail outlets and OEMs for the general public, but also through additional channels for enterprise customers. As it did with Windows Vista, the Redmond company is not making a distinction between its customers when it reports the total sale figures for the operating system. However, every once in a while, Microsoft will make public a “success story” in terms of adoption. On March 2nd, 2010, the software giant revealed that the Shop Direct Group, a U.K. retailer, had upgraded over 10,000 computers to Windows 7.

Shop Direct, operating under a number of brands including Littlewoods, Very, Woolworths, Marshall Ward, Kays and Great Universal, employs no less than 10,000 workers, 10% of whom work remotely. In addition, the Group also intends to migrate no less than 350 servers from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008 R2. The combination of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 facilitates scenarios in which remote workers are no longer relying on Virtual Private Networks, but instead use the evolved DirectAccess technology. Another advantage of using Windows 7 Enterprise and ultimate is that the operating systems include BitLocker and BitLocker To Go encryption by default, which serves to protect the sensitive data of employees working remotely.

“Shop Direct can’t expect users to connect on an older, unreliable VPN connection,” Leslie Hand, research director at IDC Retail Insights, explained. “This enables colleagues to work wherever they are located, giving employees easy access to the information they need when they need it. This allows them to work smarter and is a critical step for Shop Direct to evolve the business.”

In addition to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, Shop Direct also chose Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 for tasks involving centralized deployment and management. Microsoft cited various cost cuts and additional financial benefits in relation to TCO, but offered no figures or estimates.

“The Shop Direct Group provides an excellent example of how innovative retailers can implement advanced information technology today to gain competitive advantage tomorrow,” Brendan O’Meara, managing director, worldwide retail industry, Microsoft, added. “Consumers are driven by value and convenience. Through delivery of better connected shopping experiences, online retailers such as the Shop Direct Group can add tangible value while enhancing their brand and cementing customer loyalty through these challenging economic times.”

Microsoft won’t share details on Windows 7 uptake among enterprises, just as it didn’t offer any such information on Vista. However, “the fastest selling operating system in history” could very well be positioned as a corporate IT environment sweetheart, especially if users that have already made the jump at home also ask for the OS at work. A 10,000-Windows-7-seats-in-a-single-deployment success story might just serve as the right catalyst to push other enterprises in the direction of the latest Windows client and server.

Microsoft Windows 7 90-Day Eval VHD is available for download here.
Another Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.