How To Manage Windows Vista Application Compatibility

In addition, though they interact with the OS and with other applications, all virtualized applications are sandboxed, letting you run applications with known issues on the same system. For example, you can run Microsoft Access 97, 2000, 2003, and 2007 on the same system at the same time. Virtualization will also save you lots of money when it is time to perform your next migration.

Moving applications to Vista is a lot of work. If you move applications traditionally, you'll find that the effort required to get each and every application to install and run properly on Vista will be significant. What's worse, it will be an effort you'll have to do all over again when it is time to move to another future version of Windows. If you virtualize applications, not only will your preparation efforts be significantly shorter, but the application package you prepare today should be compatible with any future version of Windows.

Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest are IT professionals specializing in systems administration, migration planning, software management and architecture design. You can reach them at [email protected].

	Additional Resources
	Migrating to a new operating system is a lot of work. Fortunately, there is a lot of guidance and a ton of information on the subject: Microsoft's Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment is a series of different tools supported by documented guidance. Microsoft has a wealth of information on the Windows Vista Web site. Dig into it. It's worth it. Other information sources include the Microsoft Application Compatibility Cookbook, the UAC Compatibility guide, and the Best Practices and Guidelines for Applications in a Least Privileged Environment guide. Last but not (in our opinion) least, our Definitive Guide to Vista Migration is a good source.