Re: U.S. Government Bans Vista, Office 2007

whjones wrote:
On 2007-03-06 17:02:19 -1000, Steve de Mena <steven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> said:

whjones wrote:
On 2007-03-05 18:50:30 -1000, none <a@xxxxx> said:

tom_elam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

more here:

http://blogs.business2.com/beta/2007/03/us_government_b.html

"I think it's unlikely that the DOT will switch, since moving to those
platforms will require even more reprogramming work than making its
apps Vista-compatible. The threat, however, should be a wakeup call to
Microsoft: Less "wow," more "works."

except that they can run all their XP legacy code (and before) on the
Mac with a $50 or less program. the mac runs everything, generic intel
pcs do not.

plus they could get rid of 40% of their IT staff since macs tend to run
without headaches, and consume FAR less support.

let's hope the DOT goes with macs and saves tax payers money.

I've read that the corporate version of Vista not only needs to be activated, but that each disparate network needs a key management server (KMS). The KMS's only job is to obtain the license information from each client, then subsequently communicate that data to servers at Microsoft for validation. This validation check must occur every 90 days. That's for the CORPORATE clients - this is INSANITY! Microsoft is really cutting their own throat over this one thing.

That is correct. But Businesses can run any version of Vista they like if that bothers them so much.

The issue was that Windows XP VLK (Volume License Key) keys got out anyone could use those an unlimited number of times as there was no activation process at all.

I work as a C4ISR Network Engineer at an Army installation here in Hawaii, and I can tell you that as long as the Army maintains Windows as the basis for ABCS software programs such as MCS/BCS, ASAS, and AFATDS EMT, our work will cease once Wiindows XP support is canceled by Microsoft - there is NO WAY that the Windows-based ABCS platforms can support the draconian efforts that Microsoft has placed on the corporate versions of Vista. Of course, the Army moves ever slower, but they're moving towards a common UI among all ABCS software programs, but haven't decided on the OS. If Vista, then Vienna move forward with this rather ridiculous validation scheme, the OS in question just may be Linux or, gasp, Mac OS X.

What exactly is the problem you have with it?

Steve

You've obviously never worked with the Army before. NIPRnet (Non-secure IP Routing network, which basically is the internet) access is very strictly controlled, as is bandwidth utilization - tthis is primarly due to Windows' utter lack of security, and the ease by which a typical Windows box can become infected with virii and malware. Tactially speaking, there are much better uses for the bandwidth each unit receives than validating (and constantly revalidating) the officially-purchased Vista licenses. As for the BCTC, we constantly load, ghost, then re-ghost our software packages, as we are set up to train the soldiers. We don't keep the media with the computer, as our computers are constantly in motion. it's easier to keep the software in one location and the computers wherer they are needed. For that reason, the version of Windows through XP suited our bulding well. We have neither the time nor the resources (or DOIM's permission) to constantly revalidate our legal copies (read: all of our copies of Windows are legal) of Windows. Furthermore, the US Government will not approve the purchase of any KMSs, especially when several of our internal networks become classified for yearly exercises. Microsoft is simply cutting their throat this time, and the market will react more adversely than it has, IMHO.

I don't see how Microsoft is really cutting their throat. A large organization like the Army pays a yearly licensing fee to Microsoft for their OS, so Microsoft doesn't make more or less money by them running XP or Vista. Most organizations shouldn't have a problem with Key Management servers, with clients checking in every 60 or 90 days.

Steve
.

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