BMW and Windows 7: Why the car maker is upgrading now

Enterprise Features = More Efficient Users

On a deeper level, BMW plans to utilize the Windows 7 enterprise features that work with Windows Server 2008 R2, which will release the same time as the client OS. Huber says that plans to deploy Windows Server 2008 R2 are well under way in order to use "the full potential of Windows 7."

Huber highlights features tailored for BMW's mobile workers such as DirectAccess, a networking tool that eliminates the need for VPNs, BranchCache, which speeds up networks in remote offices by caching files locally; and BitLocker To Go, an encryption feature that protects portable devices such as thumb drives and external hard drives.

"These features will give BMW IT more efficient remote management abilities and will replace third-party products which must be purchased," says Huber.

Huber says BMW is also hoping its diverse user base will benefit from the improved Remote Assistance functions in Windows 7. Remote Assistance, a long-time Windows tech support tool that allows an IT expert to connect to a user's computer to fix problems directly, has a new feature in Windows 7 called "Easy Connect" that simplifies the process of connecting IT experts to distressed users.

"The improved Remote Assistance functions permit quicker failure analysis and will reduce downtime," says Huber.

Complementing BMW's Technical Strategy

Huber's hope for Windows 7 is that it will be as reliable as Windows XP once it is fully rolled out at BMW.

"The new and extended features of Windows 7 such as DirectAccess and Remote Assistance and application virtualization will play an integral part in our roadmap to have a highly automated client environment," says Huber.

Huber expects support costs per client to go down as employees use Windows 7 to log on, navigate and get technical support quicker.

Most important, says Huber, is that Windows 7 help BMW maintain a cost-effective IT business. He says both local (German) and foreign colleagues from different departments at BMW weighed in on their needs and risks involved in a Windows 7 upgrade.

"Because of this, our IT organization is conserving as many resources as possible and a lot of the Windows 7 deployment will be done parallel to the daily business," he says.

Huber adds proudly that in comparison to BMW's competitors, "we have achieved a leading position in cost-effective IT operations."

Are you a Tweeter? Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/smoneill. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter at twitter.com/CIOonline.