Small businesses in IT which are looking to improve their systems should seriously consider upgrading to Windows 7 as soon as possible, according to a major commentator.

Gartner has asserted that the benefits associated with a jump from XP or Vista to the all-new Windows 7 are too great to ignore.

It will be particularly good for companies which are running PCs or laptops with a slightly lower specification than Vista because of the improved memory management of the operating system, it explained, meaning slower models will find Windows 7 easier to handle.

Michael Silver, a vice-president and distinguished analyst at Gartner, continued: "It adds other features of interest to organisations, as well as to consumers.

"It is important for Microsoft to get off to a good start with Windows 7 to build momentum and put the problems of Vista behind it."

Earlier this month, Microsoft offered Windows 7 to students with a .edu university address in the UK for just £30.

According to a recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent).