Windows Vista Technology Guide: Introduction

Introduction to the Windows Vista Reseller Guide by Jonathan Hassell, author Windows Vista: Beyond the Manual.

With a new operating system release comes opportunities for everyone involved in the IT channel business. Generally the ecosystem surrounding new releases of Windows grows significantly as consumers and corporate types buy new systems, software and services to take advantage of new operating system features. So what should channel players be on the lookout for when it comes to Window's Vista? Some things come to mind.

• Windows Vista takes consumer computing to another level, offering better performance, simplified management and greater focus on using the computer as a hub for all types of media, including television, digital music, photo galleries and much more.
• Windows Vista doesn't represent a much greater investment than did previous versions of Windows. For instance, the price of Windows Vista Home Premium, the "sweet spot" edition for most consumer applications, rivals the cost of Windows XP Media Center Edition.
• Integrators targeting Windows Vista-based business solutions can take advantage of new system preparation and building tools, including Windows PE-based deployment tools and a faster set up process, as well as an improved OOBE (out-of-box experience).
• Software developers targeting Windows Vista as a platform should be aware of some application compatibility concerns, including a new security model, an upgraded version of Internet Explorer and improved user interface options with the Windows Vista Aero theme.
• Independent hardware vendors (IHVs) building systems designed to run Windows Vista can customize hardware configurations based around Windows Vista's modestly increased video and RAM requirements.
• Consultants need to familiarize themselves with the improvements Windows Vista offers and determine how best to monetize their expertise and knowledge of Vista's new features.

This Windows Vista Reseller Guide is a collection of hand-selected articles from the entire TechTarget network, consisting of expertise and guidance from authoritative sources on Windows Vista.

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchSystemsChannel.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us    RELATED CONTENT Windows Desktop Simplifying desktop support with open source and Web applications System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: The System Rating System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Windows System Assessment Tool System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Problem Reports and Solutions System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: ReadyBoost and SuperFetch System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Memory Diagnostics tool System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Reliability and Performance Monitor System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Vista Recovery: Advanced Boot Options, WinRE and WinPE System Recovery and Diagnostic Tricks: Backup and Restore Center When should a client use XP SP3 rather than upgrading to Vista or another OS? Desktop Operating Systems Simplifying desktop support with open source and Web applications Windows Vista installation dos and don'ts Four sales drivers for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Cost comparison: Virtual vs. Vista desktop management Virtual vs. Vista desktop management costs: Intangibles, pg. 3 Virtual vs. Vista desktop management: Calculating virtual costs, pg. 2 Channel Checklist: Top four features to ease Vista deployment Top five systems channel tips of 2007 Windows reseller tips for offering open source managed services Licensing Windows Vista Business and Vista Ultimate in virtual machines RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.