Migrating Windows applications and data from an old computer to a new one could become easier with Microsoft's acquisition of Apptimum. Apptimum's software utilities (such as Alohabob PC Relocator) enable users to move applications, patches, settings, and data between computers or to an existing computer after reinstalling the OS. The acquired technology could prove particularly valuable for driving Windows Vista upgrades, particularly in smaller organizations and homes.

Moving Data and Applications

For consumers and small businesses, the Apptimum technology provides an important complement to Microsoft's existing technologies for moving settings and data between computers: the Windows Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, and the User State Migration Tool (USMT) employed by the wizard.

The USMT enables users to move files and Registry data from a source computer to a target computer, which helps users move data and settings from an old computer to a new one, or preserve data and settings when performing a clean install of the OS on an existing computer.

However, the current USMT is designed to move only user data and settings, not the executable code files and Registry entries of applications. Instead, Microsoft recommends that users install the OS and applications on a target computer from original media before using the USMT to restore data and settings. But this can be problematic, as the original application could have been patched multiple times, forcing the user not only to reinstall the application but also to find and reapply all the patches. In addition, the user must locate any installation or activation keys for the application before they can reinstall it.

Apptimum's utilities, in contrast, enable users to transfer applications as well as data from a source to a target computer.

Supporting Vista Upgrades

Apptimum's capabilities could become more important with the advent of Windows Vista in late 2006. Windows Vista uses a new installation process, which copies an image of the OS to a target computer and then uses scripts that can run with or without user interaction to complete the configuration of the OS. To upgrade an existing OS installation, the Vista installer saves the state of existing applications, data, and settings; overwrites the target computer with a new OS image; and then restores the saved state.

Few large organizations will upgrade existing OS installations on their desktop computers, and those that do may use other technologies, such as deploying images that include both the OS and applications and scripts combined with Group Policy, to complete the configuration according to their desktop configuration standards. However, smaller organizations or home users will frequently want to preserve installed applications by upgrading in place. The Apptimum technology could make such upgrades easier and more reliable by covering any gaps in the Windows Vista state migration tools for saving and restoring the user's state information.

Microsoft says it will initially offer the Apptimum technology as a free download, separate from Vista. Terms of the Apptimum acquisition were not disclosed.

For Apptimum product information, see www.alohabob.com.