U.S. Army migrating all remaining computers to Vista

Just a few months before the official launch of Windows 7, the United States Army has decided to migrate all of its Windows-based computers to Microsoft’s Vista operating system “to bolster Internet security and standardize its information systems”.

The system change will be implemented by December 31 U.S. Army-wide, and will include migration of Office 2003 to Office 2007. All desktop computers on the SIPR and NIPRNET will be upgraded, which includes both classified (SIPR) and unclassified computers and data. The only exemptions will be “standalone weapons systems”.

The change was mandated by a Fragmentary Order known as “FRAGO 2, Department of the Army Executive Order 056-05″, published November 22, 2008. Resources for the transition will be provided by Sharon Reed, IT Chief at the Soldier Support Institute.

So far, Ft. Stewart, Ga, as about 3,800 computers with Vista. Ft. Lewis, Wash has about 2150, as does Ft. Drum, NY. Ft. Jackson, SC, has only about 1000 of its 7500 converted so far. All told, about 44,000 U.S. Army computers in the continental United States have made the switch to Vista. The remaining computers are on track to meet the December 31, 2009 deadline.

See the U.S. Army’s press release.