Windows XP just came out a couple of years ago, but the Microsoft Corporation wants to improve its operating system by introducing a new version called Windows Vista that has more robust security features. The problem is, you may not be able to install or use your current productivity or MLS-access software on it because the bugs haven't been worked out yet between Vista and other software vendors, according to Fidelity National Real Estate Solutions executives.

Rob Overman, chief technology officer and vice president of MLS Technologies, Fidelity MLS Systems & Solutions says that Vista has some incompatibility with its Paragon systems which serve MLSs across the nation. "We have the Paragon system which is a web based application, a desktop application called Paragon Desktop, plus we still support Compass Rex, (formerly REExplorer,)" says Overman. "And we have a variety of platforms we have to test on each one."

According to Overman, Microsoft does give big software vendors such as Fidelity advance beta copies of its new operating systems while it's in development, but a sneak peak is not enough to allow Fidelity to integrate its products seamlessly. "I have concerns about other applications that Realtors may be using," he warns. "They weren't designed for VISTA and those could include Top Producer, Wyldfyre, or other tools. The Realtors may want to install those tools and find that there are issues. It may not install or work as well. We found that with PC Access -- it's been used as a desktop to connect to online MLS systems and when you try to install it, MS doesn't recognize it as an application that should allow it to be installed. Vista kills the application without telling you anything. So we had to tweak the security settings to get it to install, but the end user is not likely going to know what's wrong, because you aren't getting an error message, and they wouldn't know what to do if they did figure out it was an error."

When the final product does roll out, it could also be different from the beta versions that the software vendors have. If they want to use and test what other consumers are going to have, they have to buy the final version of Vista like everyone else.

"We get release candidates and we try to account for some bugs and they can fix it for the next release, but until it goes to the public, things will change," says Overman. "Microsoft is fortunate that they have the resources to spend man hours fiddling around with stuff to get it right, but the vendors don't have money to waste money fixing something that might not be broken when it gets to the public."

Microsoft also upgraded its Internet Explorer 7 this year, which contributed to the compatibility problems. "Older MS Internet Explorer browsers won't work on Vista," says Overman. "We've had the double whammy, so we aren't alone there. We all had to address the issues that cropped up."

For that reason, Overman says Fidelity is asking Paragon customers that they not install Windows Vista until we've completed the updates to their software to address the issues. "We've been doing testing and we have the issues identified," says Overman.

The irony is that the updates don't spell improvement for software vendors, he says. "It's an expensive proposition," says Overman. "Vista doesn't do anything for us, we don't gain anything from Vista being out there. There are some benefits -- increased security for customers, but they're going to find it more of a hassle. For the money, you're really not getting much advantage. To take advantage of the improved graphics, you'll have to buy the best, fastest most expensive computers.

Most Realtors may prefer to use what they currently have. If they don't plan to change machines, Overman says they're better off leaving Vista off for the time being.

Fidelity won't have that option. "We have to account for lowest and highest common denominator," says Overman. "My concern is there are users who are going to go out and upgrade or buy a new computer when they don't have to and they're going to have a bad experience."

Microsoft already has a service pack in development, in development. "They already have a new patch for later this year, so you might as well wait for the patch. When a new operating system comes out, we don't install it for our employees until the new patch is available. Otherwise it costs too much to support those employees."

He advises, "Brokers would be crazy to order a bunch of upgrades for their offices -- it's asking for trouble. XP only came out a couple of years ago, but security is a big deal. Working with software, we are trying to build systems to help people do their job, but things like this make it difficult. We need everyone to be careful that they wait until they really need to make the change."

That also goes for updating software like AgentOffice, says a spokesperson. "AgentOffice integrates with other third party software like Zipforms, TrueForms, and Intellisync, and we haven't gotten certification from these vendors, so until we can do a complete test, we wanted to get to our user base to be cautious about upgrading."

He continues, "We aren't necessarily saying to wait, if they have to make a software purchase, and they select the option of Vista, we can't 100 percent certify the product as we have to apply the patches MS is sure to come out with and we need those first. It's new operating system and there will be some patches to it."

The types of situations productivity software users might have with Vista are problems with memory cards, video cards, instant messaging and other applications.