A quick look at the software products to dominate 2010.

Windows 7 – Microsoft ended 2009 on a positive note with the release of Windows 7 which finally gave us a reason to let go of Windows XP! Many businesses have now been using XP for nearly 9 years having avoided the whole fiasco that was Windows Vista. We now see the majority of new laptops shipping with Windows 7 and can report that the transition to 7 has been smooth.

Office 2010 – Many businesses have only been using Office 2007 for a year or less so will require a good reason to to upgrade so soon. Microsoft launched Office 2010 in Beta version recently with a view to it hitting retail mid 2010. Key features to stir interest include online versions of Office applications like Word that will allow you to edit documents online without installing the software. Some will also be interested in the collaboration tools that will allow users to work on the same document simultaneously.

Exchange 2010 – The next iteration of MS Exchange will see a more consistent experience across all platforms – Outlook Web Access for example has a look, functionality and feel almost identical to the desktop version. Viewing mail based on “conversations” will also make it easier to track threads of topics in a chronological order.