UDATE! Grand news! My boss and I pushed back, and the VAXen and Windows admins *have* to set up a test environment before I start my work.

I thank all of you for your advice, and will apply lots 'o it as I go. I'll let you know how it proceeds.

HTH
--
idnopheq
Apply yourself to new problems without preparation, develop confidence in your ability to to meet situations as they arrise.

~ Shunryu Suzuki