The key difference is that there will be no "in-place upgrade" option in Europe so for businesses that want to move to the new OS (something I would recommend if currently using Vista) each machine must be wiped and re-installed.
For the larger corporates this poses little problem as they will have tightly locked down desktops that can be re-installed from a centrally managed disk image through a network boot. But what about the smaller business. Many do not have the IT resources or budgets to implement centrally managed technologies such as the Windows Deployment Server. While IT guys like me could help them do so, is the time and cost really appropriate for an SBS network of 5 users?
Initially I felt that we were being put into a disadvantaged position by Microsoft in having to "Rip and Replace" by default due to the restrictions of the 7E version; and if I'm honest I think they could have produced a product that would upgrade on the basis of maintaining the existing browser choice of the user and still satisfied the European courts. But on reflection maybe it is not such a bad thing. At least by doing a clean install you know that there are no malingering issues picked up by the previous OS that may impact on the new system, so the customer is guaranteed the best possible Windows7 Experience for the hardware they have. It also gives us the opportunity to review just what is installed on our machines and the plethora of sample bits of software etc. that have just been left hanging around will all disappear.
Having played with the RC, I do think they have a really good product (at last) and the value of upgrading will be high. Although our upgrade path for small business may be a bit more time consuming than the rest of the world, I think that being forced to clean install could mean we actually get a better experience than they do.
Just don't forget to download a browser onto a memory stick or CD before you install as there is no way to browse the Internet for one after!
