News
Federal Agency Bans Microsoft Vista
At least two federal government agencies are refusing to upgrade their computers with Microsoft's Windows Vista.
(Washington) At least two federal government agencies are refusing to
upgrade their computers with Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Vista operating
system, citing concern over costs and compatibility issues.
In a Jan. 19 memo to staff, Dan Mintz, the Transportation Department's
chief information officer, imposed an "indefinite moratorium"
on upgrading desktop and laptop computers with the new operating system,
Office 2007 and Internet Explorer 7.
Mintz wrote that there is "no compelling technical or business case"
to upgrade to the new products and specific reasons not to upgrade.
He cited hardware, software and labor costs, compatibility issues with
current applications and limited funding. He also wrote technology staff
will be busy with the agency's move to a new headquarters.
The memo says the software only may be acquired for testing purposes
and only with the CIO's approval.
Microsoft did not return calls seeking comment.
The details of Mintz's memo were first reported earlier this month by
InformationWeek.