O&O Software has announced the availability of the Migration Kit for Windows 8, a bundle of two packages which aims to simplify the process of upgrading to the new operating system.

At the heart of the Migration Kit is Laplink PCmover Professional, which can transfer your data, applications and settings from a Windows XP, Vista or 7 PC to Windows 8 (either on a separate PC, or in place).

The other major kit component is a copy of O&O DiskImage Professional 6.8.1, ideal for creating a backup image of your original system configuration before you start.

O&O DiskImage will back up your existing system before the upgrade begins

And the inclusion of a Windows PE-based boot disc (or an ISO image, anyway) means you’ll be able to restore that image even if your system won’t start. Which doesn’t exactly seem likely – our review experiences showed PCmover generally works very well – but certainly can’t be ruled out, so it’s a very good idea to take precautions.

There is no other software bringing all this together, no front end that you can call the “Migration Kit”; essentially it’s just the two setup programs and a boot image. That shouldn’t be an issue for most of the target audience, though, and certainly the packages do give you plenty of options and control when deciding how you’re going to move to Windows 8.

If that sounds of interest then the Migration Kit for Windows 8 can be purchased with a licence to run a single migration (29.90 Euros), or three migrations (49.90). The single migration license is also available from the Downloadcrew Software Store at 25% off MSRP.

However, there’s no such restriction on the bundled DiskImage Professional 6.8.1. Even if you only purchase the single migration edition, DiskImage can then be used indefinitely to back up your new Windows 8 system.