For every company, making the commitment to transition to a new operating system can be intimidating, especially for IT teams with limited staff and resources. But the time eventually arrives when the benefits of transitioning can no longer be ignored. On this one-year anniversary of the release of Windows 10, some companies may still be on the fence whether or not the time is right to make the wholesale transition. I’m here to tell you that the best time is now!
There are legitimate reasons why some companies haven’t made the switch yet. Some have been operating on legacy apps that may be challenging to migrate, so they need a custom app testing and migration program in order to make Windows 10 adoption possible. For others, resources might be so limited that IT is still trying to catch up from the Windows XP migration just two years ago.
But even with all these obstacles, the benefits of Windows 10 are compelling enough that 76 percent of enterprise organizations are testing and piloting Windows 10 in preparation to fully migrate soon (source: Microsoft). Among the many benefits customers are excited about, there are three that stand out:
1) IT manager productivity
Windows 10 marked the beginning of Microsoft’s provision of Windows as a Service (WaaS). This fundamentally changed not only the way Microsoft delivers its OS, but how it schedules and rolls out updates. With automatic monthly updates and annual upgrades, IT managers no longer have to disrupt the flow of business in order to plan around massive updates every few years. Previous OS updates could be comparable to a 10K run for IT teams; with Windows 10, they’re now more akin to a 400-meter sprint.
2) Security
These frequent updates have another beneficial byproduct – more up-to-date security offerings. With the addition of security enhancements that are updated every six months, IT teams can worry less about securing 10 year old OS technology and focus more on other responsibilities. Taking advantage of the security updates included in the one year anniversary release of Windows 10, IT can now leverage Windows Information Protection and Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection – programs designed to fit the needs of companies demanding severe security measures. In addition, Dell Data Protection Encryption and Advanced Threat Protection can be combined with Windows 10 to provide additional layers of security by protecting data at the file level and stopping malware before it finds its way into the organization’s systems.
3) End user productivity
Windows 10 enables end user productivity by offering a variety of different ways to interact with Windows-enabled devices, particularly 2-in-1 devices. The OS has the ability to change automatically between a touchscreen-optimized version and a laptop-optimized version depending on whether or not a keyboard is detected. The OS also makes it easier for users to securely transition between using the same device for work and personal purposes, as well as transitioning among multiple devices. Also, the addition of Windows 10 universal apps allows software programs to run on any device to enable greater portability and more productivity at work. Universal apps also reduce the cost of developing individual line of business apps because they can be deployed across PCs, 2-in1s, tablets, phones and IoT devices.
More to come
The frequent updates and flexibility of Windows 10 have inspired innovation among many tech providers, including Dell, and will continue to do so in the near future. Specifically here at Dell, we’re focused on enhancing our PC portfolio to improve mobility, performance and collaborative computing. We’re also pushing the envelope on how people interact with devices – from longer lasting batteries, rich color screens that deliver a flawless image, nearly invisible display bezels, to wireless connections – all made possible to enhance your Windows 10 experience.
Dell and our partners are committed to helping clients address the challenges of migration by providing award-winning services and support. We also offer deployment services to ease the pain of migration and fit within the limited budget of a technology refresh.
If you haven’t migrated to Windows 10, Dell is here to make the process easier. As Microsoft’s 2016 Windows 10 Deployment Partner of the Year, Dell is the best partner to help lead your organization through this transition. What challenges have stopped you from making the switch so far? Please get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you experience a successful migration that won’t disrupt your organization’s productivity and will help you take advantage of the most advanced operating system Microsoft has ever produced.
