Although there is no direct upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, that doesn't mean there is a shortage of tools on Microsoft's part to help you migrate. But -- perhaps due to the abundance of Microsoft's tools combined with the complexity of using each tool (or learning how to use the tools in the correct order) -- some IT pros have decided to seek alternatives. And there are plenty to consider.

Note: If you aren't aware of the bevy of migration help from Microsoft, check out my article "Ready for Windows 7? Here's how to deploy it right," which covers tools like the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP 4.0) and the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT 5.5); the latter includes tools such as the Standard User Analyzer (SUA), the User State Migration Toolkit (USMT 4.0), the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows 7, and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT 2010).

[ Read J. Peter Bruzzese's analysis "Is Windows 7 really worth the investment?" | Keep up with the latest trends in Windows with InfoWorld's Windows Pulse monitoring service. ]

So what can you do to make this migration smoother for yourself (the decision maker) and your users? There are a handful of important factors to consider, including the following:


■Can your existing hardware support Windows 7, or will you be moving to a new system completely?
■How to handle the personality move (desktop background, personal files saved locally, settings) of the desktops?
■What is the application support (or lack thereof) between XP and Windows 7?
I'm not endorsing one option over another here, as this isn't a side-by-side product comparison. These are just a few tools and solutions that are worth investigating, and by no means an exhaustive list. With those caveats, here are non-Microsoft tools to consider in your Windows 7 migration that may be easier than Microsoft's options.