Well, here we go… Chalk up another stumbling block for Microsoft to hurdle in its plans of world domination. They were hoping organizations would begin to upgrade to Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Internet Explorer 7 by now, however apparently the Federal Government doesn’t agree. I’m sure Microsoft didn’t appreciate hearing Daniel Mintz (CIO for the US Department of Transportation) announce in a January 19th memo to his staff, “”an indefinite moratorium” on the upgrades as “there appears to be no compelling technical or business case for upgrading to these new Microsoft software products. Furthermore, there appears to be specific reasons not to upgrade.”” OUCH!

The memo, uncovered today by InformationWeek, indefinitely affects 15,000 users in the DOT and, according to Paul McDougall of InformationWeek, “a similar ban is in effect at the Federal Aviation Administration, which has 45,000 desktop users.” That’s 60,000 users and counting… So, although it’s not always a good idea to follow the Federal Government’s lead in technology adoption practices, I believe Mr. Mintz has reason to object to any upgrades; at least for now.

The main reasons cited for banning such an upgrade related to compatibility issues and security concerns, both of which we have already suspected. However, even after the NSA helped to co-develop the Vista security platform, Mintz objects and expresses concerns and doesn’t even see a “compelling technical or business case” to upgrading, this spells trouble for Microsoft. Will other Federal agencies follow suit? Stay tuned as I’m sure this will be clogging the airwaves shortly…