Computer Network Outsourcing for Medium-size Companies

For the majority of business networks, 64-bit computing is a giant untapped power source. Intel and AMD, the top CPU makers, have been delivering 64-bit capability in their mainstream CPUs for years, so that all types of business computers such as notebooks, desktop computers, engineering workstations and back-office servers now have the architecture to operate in 64-bit mode. However most of these in-place computers still host 32-bit operating systems and applications.

The primary cause for this widespread reluctance to join the 64-bit revolution is that the real benefit for updating in-place computers has appeared to be modest in relation to the effort needed. There is no seamless path to migrate from a 32 to a 64-bit operating system. The upgrade requires a clean install, which calls for reinstalling current programs, saving and restoring data files, and configuring new drivers. This requires thoughtful planning to do economically. Furthermore, most office applications are currently offered only in 32-bit versions, so where's the advantage?

Advantages of Upgrading to 64-bit Processing
The advantages of 64-bit vs. 32-bit processing may appear to be vague and hard to define precisely, but they are real. The RAM partitioning techniques used in 32-bit operating systems are basically a technical afterthought that undermines system stability. Memory-hungry applications are sometimes not able to utilize available RAM since the O/S is unable to assign it efficiently. This can be the cause of programs shutting down or performing fitfully even when a machine seems to have ample unused memory. In addition, 64-bit software platforms support much more physical RAM than 32-bit systems and process twice as much information per CPU cycle. You can also jump from one RAM-hungry application to another more quickly when you are using a 64-bit environment. Basically, 64-bit processing makes systems more stable, more expandable, and more efficient, which makes companies more competitive.

Microsoft's 64-bit Support
Microsoft's “x64” software works with the 64-bit processors found in virtually all computers now installed in office IT environments. (Microsoft's 64-bit "Itanium" platform is restricted to special advanced Intel and AMD CPUs processors and is intended for environments that need large-scale multi-processing.) Before the release of Office 2010, most Microsoft desktop applications such as 2007 Office and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 were offered solely in 32-bit versions, which can still be used on x64 platforms. The latest family of Microsoft Office delivers significant improvements. For example, Excel 2010 is offered in a 64-bit version that allows you to create spreadsheets with enormous databases that are not limited to the 2-Gbyte maximum file size that hampers previous editions of Office Excel.

Microsoft offers true x64 editions of many Microsoft Server platforms, including Microsoft Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Commerce Server, BizTalk Server 2006, plus System Center Operations Manager. Microsoft Windows Server x64 editions are priced identically to 32-bit editions, so ordinarily you pay nothing extra for 64-bit server operating systems or machines.

For workstations, Microsoft offers Windows 7 and Windows 8 in same-cost 64-bit versions that offer high dependability, capacity, and performance. Like all upgrades from 32-bit to 64-bit platforms, the upgrade can't be done without effort. Every workstation and server needs a clean setup that entails reinstalling application software, saving and recovering data files, and installing 64-bit device drivers. On the other hand, for most current workstations, and for all PCs running Microsoft Windows XP, even the 64-bit release of Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 8 will require you to carry out a "from scratch" installation. Consequently, there has never been a better opportunity to upgrade to 64-bit computing on the desktop, since it will require scarcely any additional work.

How Progent Can Help Your Business to Upgrade to 64-bit Processing
In addition to helping your organization to evaluate the practical advantages, costs, and technical variables associated with migrating to 64-bit processing, Progent's Microsoft-certified engineers can help you plan, document, carry out, manage, and troubleshoot a network-wide move to 64-bit server and client operating systems and business applications. Progent can help you pilot your 64-bit infrastructure to make sure it supports all of the key 32-bit programs that you intend to keep plus the new 64-bit versions of applications you plan to install. If moving to Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 is part of your x64 migration strategy, Progent's certified Windows 7 engineers, Windows 8.1 consultants, and Windows 10 testing and upgrade consultants can help your company to decide which workstation hardware and programs can or should be retained, and design a migration process that is minimally disturbing to your business operations.

Additional ways Progent can help your business to migrate to x64 computing include:

• Progent's experience providing online computer support services can save you effort and money during your 64-bit migration, and Progent's experience cooperating 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 architecture is configured to support your 64-bit computing solution, that it is easy to track, manage, and repair, and that it provides a high level of security and reliability.

• Progent's business continuity consultants can assist you in developing and validating a workplace recovery strategy that incorporates your 64-bit servers. Progent's Microsoft certified System Center System Center Data Protection Manager (SCDPM) support experts can help you to configure System Center SCDPM to support automated online backup with the capability of rapid system recovery.

• Progent's CISM and CISA certified network security consultants can help you create a company-wide security strategy that implements some of the powerful security mechanisms incorporated into x64 server platforms. Progent can also provide network security vulnerability checking to evaluate or validate your network's adherence to industry or government security standards.

• Progent's virtualization engineers can show you how to utilize 64-bit virtual server solutions to save money on equipment, simplify management, enhance fault tolerance, lower hosting costs, and speed up recovery time in case of a catastrophic breakdown.

• Progent's live online education can help get your network support team and your desktop employees up to speed rapidly and cost-effectively by providing online virtual training customized for your network environment and business processes.