Team Edwards reaches new desktop 'Vistas'

  • Published
  • By Darcy Painter
  • 95th Communications Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With the goals of increasing network security, improving compliance and staying in-step with Air Force mandates, Col. Paul Hardy, 95th Communications Group commander, is urging everyone to prepare for the on-going, base-wide migration to Microsoft Vista. 

"To reap the rewards of a more secure and modern desktop computing environment, we'll have to work together to prepare for a smooth transition," said Colonel Hardy. "With just a bit of preparation, your entire migration can happen in less than a few hours." 

To facilitate this transition, Team Edwards is urged to take the first steps by contacting their Unit Software License Manager and verifying that all the software on their computers is licensed for use and remove any personal files. Additionally, Col Hardy recommends each office take a look at older software programs and external devices. 

Unfortunately, many manufactures have not upgraded e their older products to be compatible with Vista 

"We may have software and hardware that is critical to our mission that will not work with Vista," said Colonel Hardy. "So, if anyone needs help investigating Vista compatibility, we have experts who can help set up tests."

Team Edwards members can request help for any aspect of the Vista migration by submitting an Information Technology Request to the 95th CG Support Center. 

"As we prepare to go to Vista, this is our opportunity to clear up issues and clean up systems," said Colonel Hardy. "This will make our systems more secure and our service better as all the machines will be on one operating system." 

To facilitate a smooth transition, the 95th CG has a team of specially trained customer advocates who are following a tactical plan that includes accommodating organizations with year end financial closeouts and collecting and applying "lessons learned" about compatibility issues. 

These teams are addressing the migration organization-by-organization, working through the 7,700 computers across Edwards. The objective of the plan is to assure that Edwards continuity is maintained without impact to its operations tempo. 

The plan includes 3 key activities 1) a kickoff briefing for each organization's leadership, followed by 2) soliciting and responding to any issues or concerns the unit may have then 3) working through the organization's prioritized list. 

The migration team will work with the USLM, integrators and equipment custodians, technicians are scheduling appointments individually to transfer the users software, hardware and peripherals to Vista. However, Team members can only migrate software that customers provide proof of purchase for. If customers have valid Vista-compatible peripherals attached to their workstations, the teams are authorized to transfer the drivers for the peripherals over to the Vista operating system. 

During this migration to Vista, the 95th CG is commited to a plan that minimizes disruption, while maximizing every customer's capability to help prepare their computer for the migration. If problems occur, submit an ITR requesting help. USLM is also available to help with guidance and assistance. 

For more information, visit our Vista site on Center Net under the CG Support, or call the 95th CG Support Center at 277-3444, and chose option 6.