20 February 2025; Brisbane, Australia: With Windows 10 reaching end-of-support in October 2025, organisations must take a proactive approach to ensure security, compliance, and operational continuity. The transition to Windows 11, alongside the emergence of AI-powered PCs, marks a significant opportunity for IT leaders to modernise their device strategies and capitalise on advancements designed to enhance productivity and efficiency. In a recent IT News article, Data#3’s EUC Practice Manager, Paula Fountain joined industry experts to discuss the urgency of upgrading, the impact of AI-driven hardware, and how organisations can navigate this shift effectively.
At Data#3, we are working closely with customers to mitigate risk, streamline deployment, and maximise the benefits of next-generation devices. In this interview, Paula shares key insights on the technical and strategic considerations for IT teams, from addressing compatibility challenges to leveraging AI-driven capabilities for long-term business value.
Question: The industry has pushed for urgency in customers moving off Windows 10. Have you seen urgency from customers yet?
Technology evolves rapidly, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest features and understand how they can benefit. The IT industry has emphasised the urgency for customers to move off Windows 10, and we are starting to see this urgency reflected in customer behaviour. Initially, the adoption of Windows 11 was slow, likely due to lingering concerns from the migration to Windows 10. Early adopters have already made the transition, and Data#3 is one of them! However, as the Windows 10 end-of-support (EOS) date approaches, we are now seeing a notable increase in customers who have not yet migrated actively seeking assistance.
It’s important to note that the Windows 10 EOL is not like OS upgrades of the past. With no updates or patches on the horizon, customers still using Windows 10 will find themselves increasingly exposed to serious security risks. Customers must migrate to Windows 11, to avoid unavoidable consequences such as security vulnerabilities and unsupported systems.
Question: Has your business been involved in any Windows 10 end of support campaigns/initiatives and have they achieved much traction?
As Microsoft’s Largest Partner in Australia, we are among a select group of partners participating in a specialised program. This program provides additional investment to support our customers through educational initiatives, workshops, and enablement sessions, webinars and customer POCs. At all sessions we have seen full attendance and active engagement from our customers. Our primary goal is to ensure customers have comprehensive insights into the benefits and value of Win 11 empowering them to make informed decisions for their business needs.
Question: Are you seeing any interesting implications of Microsoft’s upcoming removal of support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 in October?
Some customers remain unaware of this change, which could result in businesses being caught off guard. Consequently, they may incur unforeseen costs, not only related to ongoing support challenges but also due to the inability to access future features and enhancements in Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10. Users may encounter degraded performance with lack of new features and outdated interface on unsupported systems.
Question: Some predicted Windows 10 reaching end-of-support and the arrival of AI PCs resulting a PC sales bonanza. Are you seeing that sales bonanza?.
In the current economic climate, I believe customers are prioritising cost-saving measures and leaning toward incremental refresh strategies rather than adhering to the traditional three-year refresh cycles. While I wouldn’t describe the current market as a bonanza, there has been significant opportunity fuelled by the convergence of AI-powered PCs and the Windows 10 end-of-support, both positioned as ways to future-proof customer investments. However, this year, the sentiment appears to reflect cautious optimism rather than unchecked enthusiasm and over hype.
Question: To what extent are you seeing customers think strategically about their future use of AI when purchasing PCs?
The adoption of AI technology varies significantly based on the maturity of a customer’s business, as well as their existing compliance and security posture, making it a complex topic to address universally. Many of our customers are actively seeking information, consulting services, and engaging in pilot initiatives to explore AI solutions while adhering to their company protocols. Customers are also conducting user profiling to identify specific technology needs, ensuring optimal productivity as they embrace this evolving technological landscape. They are increasingly adopting a holistic approach to AI, integrating it into their core business strategies to drive innovation and efficiency.
We assist them by providing tailored AI solutions, comprehensive training, and ongoing support to ensure seamless integration and maximum impact. This shift in approach to leveraging AI also influences their device strategy, as they seek to deploy AI-enabled devices that enhance their operational capabilities and align with their long-term technological goals.
Question: Are you selling many AI PCs yet?
Data#3 has been actively engaged in the sale of AI-enabled PCs. With the new AI-enabled PCs only becoming available recently, and as the OEMs continue to launch new models, the market is expected to transition predominantly to AI-powered PCs. Over the next year, we anticipate a significant shift toward these devices, as they will constitute most available offerings. We are also changing how customers consume via Device as a Service (DaaS), which helps with lifecycle management and consumption. This approach allows customers to stay up-to-date with the latest technology while optimising their operational efficiency and cost management.
Question: To what extent are you seeing demand or interest from your customers in AI capabilities in PCs? If so, which types of customers (size, vertical, role etc) are you seeing demand from?
We are observing a significant increase in demand for AI capabilities in PCs across various sectors. These customers are seeking advanced AI features to enhance their operational efficiency, improve decision-making processes, and provide better services. While the demand is increasing across sectors, the benefits delivered within each industry is unique. For example, in healthcare, they can help enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline administrative tasks, allowing professionals to focus more on patient care. In education, they can accelerate learning, improve efficiency, and ultimately, provided personal learning paths.
To access the full article, click the link here.
