Windows 10: Is your Business Ready?

By Scott Gosling, National Practice Manager – Microsoft Solutions

The release of Windows 10 is fast approaching, meaning now is the time your business should be preparing to transition to the next generation of Windows.

The consumer release date for Windows 10 is July 29, while the Enterprise and Education versions are due for release on August 1. Windows 10 will be a free download for anyone currently running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 versions other than Enterprise.
(Note: Windows 7 has now moved into an extended support period and will be completely phased out by January 2020.)

A seamless transition

Microsoft has worked hard to refresh the entire Windows experience and ensure a seamless transition to the new Windows 10 operating system. Current Windows 7 users will be particularly pleased with the familiar desktop environment, plus the refined design of many of the existing menus, resulting in a less disruptive change.

One of the most exciting things about the release of Windows 10 is that it’s an operating system that truly bridges the gap between desktops/laptops and tablets/phones.

The Continuum interface seamlessly scales to the device you’re using, plus the new Universal Applications feature enables apps to be deployed once for use across multiple devices, saving your business valuable time and money.

Support levels

Windows 10 features three different “servicing branches” for user support: Current Branch (CB), Current Branch for Business (CBB) and Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB). Different versions of Windows 10 will give users access to the different servicing branches.

Users running Windows 10 Home will have only one choice – the Current Branch. This means they will have to take any new features, fixes and security updates that Microsoft pushes to them via Windows Update, without the option of delaying or deferring.

Those running Windows 10 Pro will have two choices – Current Branch or Current Branch for Business. The CBB option gives Pro users more flexibility about when they apply the new features, fixes and security updates from Microsoft.

Users running Windows 10 Enterprise will get the most choice via the Long Term Servicing Branch. This branch allows Enterprise users to defer taking any new features and to handle them via Windows Update for Business and/or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

So how should your business prepare for Windows 10?

With the release of Windows 10 imminent, it’s a good idea to start testing all your apps, devices and hardware to make sure they can handle the upgrade.

If you’re running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows 8.1 Update, you can ‘Check your PC’ with the Upgrade Advisor in the Get Windows 10 App. This scans your device and lets you know if it will work with Windows 10. It will also check to see if there are any compatibility issues with your desktop apps, connected devices or PC components.

You can also check out the Windows 10 system requirements here.

To learn more about upgrading Windows 10, contact Data^#3 today or visit data3.com.au/windows-10