Computerworld - If Microsoft wants Windows 7 to succeed, to do better than limp like Vista, it has to convince the majority of users to ditch their comfortable-as-an-old-shoe -- older than an old shoe, actually -- OS.

Microsoft has to beat itself by one-upping its most successful OS edition of all time: Windows XP.

That's going to be tough. Even Microsoft knows that. Last month it conceded to critics, including Gartner's Michael Silver, who had complained that the company's policy for continuing XP "downgrades" was a "real mess." In response, Microsoft actually extended the availability of XP until April 2011.

So the pressure's on to make an XP-to-Windows 7 upgrade as painless as possible. But is a pain-free process what you'll face if you make the move? Not exactly.

Where are the bumps in the upgrade road? How difficult will the migration really be? Excellent questions.

We'll try to answer them.

Link to this site for more information.  http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9135440/FAQ_How_to_upgrade_XP_to_Windows_7 

Banyon Data Systems does not support Microsoft products including XP, Vista or Windows 7.  We can recommend that to avoid a real mess, you install Vista first, then Windows 7.

Metro area utilities, cities and cooperatives must implement Conservation Water Rates by 2010 and all other utilities (out state) must comply with these rates by 2013. What does it mean? Basically, it means the more water a customer uses the higher the cost per gallon. This, in theory, is to encourage conservation of water resources in Minnesota.

The Banyon Data Systems Utility Billing program has a flexible rate setup structure (user defined) that makes it easy to implement the changes needed. Go to Setup Options and then rates and check your tier structures and change as needed.

IOWA CUSTOMERS, Banyon Data Systems staff will be available to answer your questions and show new features. A conference room with two computer stations will be set up on October 21st at the Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn. To be held from 9-2 just ahead of the IMFOA Conference.  

Banyon Data Systems has decided to keep the software annual support and maintenance costs at current levels for 2010. Annual support and maintenance for your BDS software is essential as it allows your organization to stay current with new releases and features and allows your office staff to contact BDS with unlimited telephone calls. New support options also include online support, newsletters, ftp uploads/downloads, etc.

Please be advised that Banyon Data has updated all main software applications and applicable modules that allow direct file transfers from within the software. They include: Utility Billing, BDS Backup Vault, Payroll, Fund Accounting, Payroll Timecard Module, Inventory, Property Management and Modules, Point of Sale (POS), and Property Tax.

You must download these new releases to install the new secure link transfer.

Go to Current Customer page and then Download Updates and download the application used.

All Minnesota Banyon Data Customers:

Please be advised that effective July 1, 2009 the sales tax charged for any local taxable services, including Commercial Water, all Electric and Demand, Gas, and Cable service taxes will be increased from 6.5% to 6.875%. You must change your surcharge and tax rate on your Banyon Data Utility Billing software to comply with all charges that are due starting in July. Call Banyon Data for assistance. Banyon is unsure about refuse and garbage taxes, so please check with your local provider to confirm.