Intel Forms PC Migration Working Group To Improve One-Touch Desktop Migrations

Intel

The age-old problem of moving user settings, configurations and preferences has been exacerbated as the volume of data per PC moves well beyond the multigigabyte range, Intel said.

Intel confirmed that the creation of a working group with 10 leading desktop migration software companies is aimed at easing the painful, sometimes PC upgrade-inhibiting process for businesses and consumers.

Sources said Microsoft, whose Windows operating system runs on more than 95 percent of all PCs, is also participating in the working group. While Intel would not confirm Microsoft's role, executives said they are coordinating with operating system vendors and ISVs on a series of building blocks that will allow one-touch desktop migrations.

Several desktop migration software companies including On Technology, Novadigm and Miramar Systems are also participating in the working group.

"Intel sees PC migrations becoming more important as data becomes more personal and large. Four years ago, you could get a floppy and move Quicken files and it was no big deal," said Alec Gefrides, marketing manager for Intel's Ease of Use Initiative. "Today users have custom settings, contact lists, e-mails, favorites, operating system settings. They go out and buy a new PC and [migrating these settings and data can be a big problem. MP3 [files and digital photos eat up a lot of space and even CDRW can't do it."

Intel is exploring the creation of a standard and building blocks that vendors of operating systems, applications and PC cables can employ to enable simple, one-step migrations, Gefrides said. "Most people don't trust [the desktop migration process and they're worried about viruses or slowing down performance," he said. "Eventually, one-touch migrations will be part of the out-of-box experience."