Solution Brief: Windows 10
5 Reasons to Migrate to Windows 10 Enterprise (and the 1 Reason Not To)
According to Microsoft, 12 million business PCs are currently running Windows 10, and the adoption rate continues to rise. There are compelling reasons to switch, but it may not be right (or the right time) for all businesses.
1. Your company is still using XP, Vista or an older version of Windows If your company is using a version of Windows older than Windows 7, it’s time to upgrade. Extended support for XP ended in 2014 and will end for Vista in 2017. Choosing to stay with these operating systems leaves your company – and your customers’ data – vulnerable to security threats.
2. Your company is currently using Windows 8 or 8.1 Windows 8 is not a well-loved operating system, so you may be more inclined to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise if you’re not happy with your current OS. The migration from Windows 8 to Windows 10 Enterprise will be easier than past migrations, since the system requirements are the same for both operating systems. What’s more, you’ll get your Start Menu back – a beloved feature excluded from Windows 8.
3. Security is front and center Cyber security and data protection is the name of the game in 2016. If your company is looking to supercharge your security game, you’ll find plenty of attractive features in Windows 10. a. Credential Guard leverages virtualization-based security to isolate credentials so that only privileged software can access them. b. M icrosoft Passport secures information behind a two-step authentication protocol – an enrolled device and a PIN. c. Mobile Device Management helps streamline security updates for all devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, corporate and BYOD devices, as well as special use devices for kiosk and PoS (Point of Sale).
4. Your company is instituting a BYOD program BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs reduce hardware costs, but they can also increase threats to your company’s data. Windows 10’s robust new security features are designed to work in BYOD and corporate-owned device organizations alike. a. D evice Guard secures a device by allowing it to only run trusted applications, preventing malicious attacks. b. Enterprise Data Protection (EDP) locks down enterprise apps and data, and gives you the ability to wipe corporate data from a device without touching personal data.
5. Y ou need to streamline the launch of apps across devices Windows 10 Universal apps take responsive design to the next level, streamlining UX and productivity. Your team can write one application that will automatically display properly across all devices, whether it’s desktop computer, mobile device or tablet.
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Solution Brief: Windows 10 5 Reasons to Migrate to Windows 10 Enterprise (and the 1 Reason Not To) - Continued
The 1 Reason Not To Your company is currently using Windows 7 – and you’re happy with it If your company is part of the 52% using Windows 7 as its operating system, the case to switch to Windows 10 is harder to make – especially if you’re still satisfied with it. Support for Windows 7 doesn’t end until 2020, so you’ve got more wiggle room in your timeline. If you’re happy with current Windows 7 security features and your company is mostly a desktop PC operation, you’re in a good spot to take your time with the upgrade.
Still, 75% of IT professionals plan to upgrade to Windows 10 within the next two years. Down the road, you may decide that the upgrade is right for your company, and by then you can benefit from plenty of testing time and jump right into a great OS.
The Usage Rates of Windows Versions The Importance of Windows 10 Security Over 1/2 of organizations think they’ll be more secure in 2016, despite nearly
75% experiencing a security threat in 2015.
Other, 12% Windows XP,
Windows 10,
12%
11%
Windows 8/8.1,
13% Windows 7,
52%
The Pace of Windows 10 Adoption The Prevalence of BYOD
74%
of organizations that have or plan to have a BYOD program in place.
40%
of IT professionals plan to upgrade to Windows 10 within the 1st year
75%
plan to upgrade within 2 years
US1603 WSB
Sources: http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-enterprise-adoption-will-soar-by-2017-gartner-finds/d/d-id/1323276 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/lifecycle https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dn798752.aspx http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-10-overtakes-xp-8-1-in-desktop-os-market/ http://www.information-management.com/news/security/firms-feel-more-confident-in-ability-to-thwart-data-breaches-10028215-1.html https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-for-enterprise http://www.zdnet.com/article/research-74-percent-using-or-adopting-byod/ http://www.cio.com/article/2954793/as-windows-10-launches-microsoft-pushes-for-enterprise-adoption.html
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