As Windows 95 can run the same applications as Windows 3.1, all legacy applications and data can be easily accessed (likewise development tools such as Powerbuilder can continue to be used without a problem in porting data or obtaining versions of the compiler for different platforms). In addition, Windows 95 is capable of executing on any hardware platform that currently runs Windows 3.1, thus making hardware upgrades unnecessary (although they still may be desirable). Additionally, all current peripheral devices are supported, and in fact the plug and play features (which also facilitate support and administration) provide increased device support and configuration capabilities. The installation process uses current Windows 3.1 configurations as a basis for setup, hence making installation straightforward.

Windows 95 provides for more fault tolerance than Windows 3.1 (although it is far from perfect), and has extensive networking options available (connecting to office networks from home, integrated TCP/IP protocol suits, etc.). This operating system also provides a tool to synchronize files between computers if work is done on multiple (non-networked) machines.

The future of Windows 95 (and future compatible releases) is very bright. There is little question that it will be the dominate operating system by far in the foreseeable future. While NT may become more prominent as time passes, it is fully compatibility with Windows 95.

Microsoft support, while costly, is very effective, and due to our volume and past purchases from Microsoft, Windows 95 can be purchased for the company at a very reasonable rate, especially when contrasted with most other operating systems.

It is for these reasons that Windows 95 is the recommended future operating system for The Gasworks; other contending operating systems do not come close. As a secondary option, Windows 3.11 could continue to be used until such time as it becomes unusably outdated or until a future release of Windows 95 (or similar product) becomes available.