Windows 10 has arrived and, predictably, has proved popular with 14 million machines said to be using the system within a day of its release.
The rush of interest is not just the preserve of die-hard Microsoft fans either. On the verge of the system’s release, a study from Spiceworks found that 96 per cent of IT decision makers were interested in Windows 10 and three quarters expected to migrate within two years.
Those enticed by the prospect of better security, performance and multi-device working need to think seriously about migrating.
Here’s what you need to know about the process…
It’s easier than before
Jumping from Windows XP to 7 was a fairly onerous task for many businesses and probably left scars that cause firms to fear embarking on another migration. The good news is that the process should not be like that again. As the OS technology has improved, so too has the migration process. That should mean that apps and devices are more naturally migrated and the sorts of compatibility issues experienced in the past do not surface.
It can largely be automated
Not only is Windows 10 a system built to be more naturally compatible with what has come before, but the migration process has evolved and now involves much less time and effort than before. Companies such as 1E offer a ‘zero touch’ method that has automated a large part of the process. Large-scale automation vastly reduces the need for time-sapping desk-side visits, meaning that it is now possible to migrate while maintaining business as usual.
It is the chance to streamline
It makes no sense for a business to migrate parts of its estate that are not really required. With that in mind, anyone looking to migrate must conduct a full audit of their software. This could reduce the amount of licenses required and ensure companies are able to use this as an opportunity to get on top of their IT asset management.
Get used to it
Software updates will have to become a natural part of a business’ operation. Windows 10 is set to be the last Big Bang release of its kind, with Microsoft delivering item-by-item updates for the working parts of the system. Businesses looking to migrate should not see this as the end of the process or something done in isolation. They need to find a way to keep their business running while staying on top of system changes.
Training
Businesses should not forget that a software migration is actually about moving users over, not simply a technical matter. The beauty of Windows 10 is that it should have a familiar feel to anyone who has used Microsoft’s products to do business with in the past, albeit with handy additions on safety, multi-device working and file management. However, organisations shouldn’t lose sight of people and any training requirements needed during the initial switchover period.
When it comes to a Windows migration it’s important to realise that this is a much more natural process than previously. It is quicker and smoother and can be done without denting productivity. It’s also a chance to rationalise an IT estate and begin a process of regular, largely automated, software updates – which appears to be the future for Microsoft.