[Infowarrior] - Federal Agency Bans Microsoft Vista

[Richard Forno]

Federal Agency Bans Microsoft Vista
Thursday March 22, 12:06 pm ET
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070322/microsoft_government.html?.v=2

Department of Transportation Bans Microsoft Vista From Computers, Citing
Cost, Compatibility

WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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, a technology trade publication.