Computer Outsourcing for Mid-size Companies

For the majority of business IT systems, 64-bit processing is a giant untapped resource. Intel and AMD, the leading CPU chip manufacturers, have been delivering 64-bit ability in their commodity CPUs for years, with the result that all types of business computers such as laptops, desktop PCs, engineering workstations and back-office servers now possess the architecture to run in 64-bit format. However the majority of these computers still run 32-bit operating systems.

The primary reason for this widespread reluctance to participate in the 64-bit revolution is that the business advantage for upgrading existing systems has appeared to be small in comparison to the effort needed. There is no automatic process to upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system. The enhancement requires a clean install, which means reinstalling current applications, backing up and restoring data files, and configuring new drivers. This requires thoughtful planning to do economically. Meanwhile, most office applications are still offered only in 32-bit versions, so what's the advantage?

Advantages of Upgrading to 64-bit Processing
The advantages of 64-bit over 32-bit processing may seem subtle and difficult to define precisely, yet they are real. The RAM partitioning schemes used in 32-bit platforms are basically an engineering band-aid that limits system stability. Memory-starved programs are often not able to utilize available RAM because the O/S cannot assign it effectively. This can be the cause of software freezing or performing fitfully even when a computer seems to have plenty of available RAM. In addition, 64-bit operating systems allow much more addressable RAM than 32-bit systems and process more information per clock cycle. You can also switch from one memory-hungry application to another more quickly while running in a 64-bit system. Basically, 64-bit processing makes systems more stable, more expandable, and more efficient, which in turn makes businesses more productive.

Microsoft's 64-bit Computing Initiative
Microsoft's “x64” technology supports the 64-bit CPUs found in virtually all computers now deployed in business networks. (Microsoft's 64-bit "Itanium" initiative is limited to special high-end Intel/AMD CPUs and is designed for environments that need large-scale multi-processing.) Before the release of Microsoft Office 2010, the majority of Microsoft desktop applications including 2007 Office and Visual Studio 2005 were available only in 32-bit versions, which can still be used on x64 Windows. The latest generation of Microsoft Office delivers dramatic improvements. As an example, Microsoft Office Excel 2010 is available in a 64-bit version that permits you to build spreadsheets with enormous databases that are not restricted to the 2-gigabyte maximum file size that hampers 32-bit versions of Excel.

Microsoft has developed true x64 versions of many Microsoft Server System products, such as Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2005, Exchange Server 2010 and 2007, Microsoft Commerce Server 2007, BizTalk Server 2006, plus Operations Manager. Windows Server x64 editions are priced and licensed the same as their 32-bit counterparts, so ordinarily you pay nothing extra for 64-bit server operating systems or hardware.

For client computers, Microsoft offers Windows 7 and Windows 8 in same-price x64 versions that offer high dependability, scalability, and performance. Like all migrations from 32- to 64-bit operating systems, the move up can't be done seamlessly. Each desktop PC and server needs a clean installation that entails reconfiguring applications, backing up and restoring data files, and installing 64-bit device drivers. On the other hand, for typical in-place desktop PCs, and for every PC running Microsoft Windows XP, any edition of Windows 7 or Windows 8 will require you to perform a "from scratch" installation. This being the case, there will never be a better opportunity to move to x64 computing on the workstation, since it will require little additional effort.

How Progent Can Assist Your Business to Upgrade to 64-bit Computing
In addition to helping your organization to evaluate the practical benefits, costs, and technical variables attached to migrating to 64-bit computing, Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can help you design, document, implement, administer, and troubleshoot a network-wide migration to 64-bit server and desktop operating systems and applications. Progent can help you test your 64-bit environment to verify that it handles all of the important 32-bit programs that you intend to retain as well as the latest 64-bit editions of software you plan to run. If moving to Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 is included in your x64 upgrade strategy, Progent's certified Windows 7 engineers, Windows 8.1 consultants, and Windows 10 planning and upgrade consultants can assist your company to decide which workstation computers and applications can or should be retained, and plan an upgrade procedure that is the least disruptive to your business productivity.

Other ways Progent can assist you to upgrade to x64 computing include:

• Progent's expertise delivering online computer support services can save your business effort and expense over the course of your x64 upgrade, and Progent's experience working with internal IT staffs and providing technical information sharing to them can increase the effectiveness of your network support staff.

• Progent's Cisco CCIE network engineers can verify that your network infrastructure is optimized to support your x64 processing solution, that it is simple to monitor, administer, and troubleshoot, and that it offers a high level of data protection and dependability.

• Progent's disaster recovery consultants can help you in creating and testing a disaster recovery strategy that includes your x64 servers. Progent's Microsoft certified System Center System Center Data Protection Manager support experts can assist you to deploy System Center SCDPM to support automated online backup with the advantage of fast system recovery.

• Progent's CISM, CISSP, and GIAC network security specialists can assist you develop a company-wide security plan that deploys some of the powerful security mechanisms incorporated into x64 servers. Progent can also perform security vulnerability checking to assess or verify your network's adherence to mandated security requirements.

• Progent's virtualization experts can show you how to benefit from 64-bit virtual server solutions to save money on equipment, streamline administration, improve dependability, lower colocation expenses, and reduce restoration time in the event of a disaster.

• Progent's online education can help get your network support staff and your desktop workers up to speed quickly and affordably by delivering interactive online virtual training specialized for your computing requirements and business processes.