Windows 10 offers many advantages for organizations, including cloud integration and stronger security. But, migrating your organization to Windows 10 can be a challenge filled with concerns about security weaknesses, user interruptions, application updates, image deployments and more.
Obstacles to a successful migration
So, let’s explore several of the issues you might face when transitioning to Windows 10:
Minimizing interruptions: IT departments face more pressure now with migrations than ever before. Why? It’s tougher to achieve a seamless deployment with minimal user impact. Think about it. With earlier migrations, employees usually just had a desktop computer, and their workday ended at 5 p.m. Now, they’ve got many other devices that need updating – including laptops and mobile devices – and their workdays last longer. So, the window of opportunity for finishing the deployment has shrunk, while end-user needs (and expectations) have grown. Speed is essential for a low-impact migration.
Handling updates: Did you know that regularly keeping up with your Windows and application updates reduces your security vulnerabilities by up to 80%? Of course, there are different ways to achieve this – including manually implementing the updates, relying on Microsoft’s automatic updates or using a third-party solution. But, manually updating wastes time, while blindly accepting Microsoft’s updates limits your control. Regardless, before moving to a new operating system you should have a consistent, reliable method of implementing updates to ensure better security and performance from Day One.
Managing your systems: It’s also critical to have a sound plan in place for systems management before migrating. This includes managing your endpoints, logging an accurate inventory of your systems and software, regularly updating your drivers and applying patches on a timely basis. Doing so lessens the chances for problems to occur, and minimizes user interruptions so employers can maintain their productivity.
Securing your operating system: Many organizations struggle with security. Some allow their users to have full admin rights, and install their own software. While users might enjoy that freedom, it creates security weaknesses. Implementing a least privilege environment – which only gives users the lowest level of rights necessary to perform their jobs – can be a better solution. Also, make sure to update your images (and include the latest patches) before deploying them. Applying security in layers can eliminate headaches before, during and after your move.
Tools that simplify and automate your migration
Fortunately, there are tools you can use to ease your transition. For instance, native tools can be helpful. But, they have a restricted capacity, can be time-consuming, typically aren’t up-gradable and offer limited support.
By contrast, some third-party tools will save you time, and allow you to complete your deployment faster. Through automation, they simplify many of the challenges you’ll encounter by streamlining the processes involved. They also make it possible to delegate more of your responsibilities, so you can better leverage your time. Most third-party tools are upgradable, too – which acts as an insurance policy if Microsoft updates their operating system.
As a bonus, some of these tools can assist with endpoint management, including inventory asset management, patch management and software distribution – all while improving your overall security.
Interested in learning more? In this webcast: "Windows 10: Insights for Seamless Systems Deployment and Automation", we discuss these third-party tools in greater detail, and take a deeper look at the problems you might face when making the move to Windows 10.
