Windows 10 Impact on IT Departments: Part II

The Impact on Migration

Windows 10 will be the next big migration for IT teams to undertake, and they need to adapt to this reality if they are to continue delivering a positive and consistent user experience across the corporation.

The complexity of PC migrations is growing, given the number of different Versions of Windows in play, differences between 32- and 64-bit architectures and the proliferation of new devices and form factors.

– Thomas U. Koll, Chairman and CEO, Laplink

There are a number of key issues to consider, such as:

• The still existing base of machines running Windows XP (NT/Vista), adding to the complexity of deployed Windows 7 and 8/8.1 PCs.
• More migrations will occur simultaneously, including software, applications and devices. This means less time for IT teams to prepare and test new upgrades, likely resulting in issues following the deployment.
• Technical scenarios are these days are far more complex, with greater connectivity and interdependencies across systems and key applications.
• Scenarios are now more complex largely because of a multitude of devices and new form factors. Many new devices are running operating systems like Android and Apple iOS, thus adding to the complexity.

The end result is that it is more difficult than ever to deliver effective management of policies and user privileges, while providing a positive user experience.

According to an IDC study, the typical PC replacement scenario costs the average organization $527 per PC upgraded.

With so many migrations now taking place in increasingly complex environments, desktop or end-user oriented IT teams run the risk of underestimating the time, complexity and overall project management involved. Further, the impact of post migration help-desk support must also be understood and accounted for.