1 Migrate to Windows 10 Developing a migration and deployment plan for Windows 10 is harder than it looks –Windows 10 is leading the way to an entirely new world of end-user computing.
2 ANALYST PERSPECTIVE Transformative change is coming, starting with Windows 10. Migrating to Windows 10 is the first step in introducing a new world of end-user computing. The plans you put in place today will have implications for years to come. Windows has long been the link between users and IT. A major change in Windows is both a reflection and a harbinger of major changes in the overall technology landscape. Windows 10 is indeed a major change. While it may not look very different, each difference from previous versions of Windows reflects Microsoft’s vision for the future. From new security features (and risks) to new costs (lower, except when they are higher) to new features (and old; hi there, Start Menu), Windows 10 represents a major shift. It’s the last version of Windows. You will need to incorporate these changes. Make sure you do it right. Mike Battista, Senior Manager, Infrastructure Info-Tech Research Group
3 Our understanding of the problemInfrastructure Managers Decide when to migrate to Windows 10. Determine what Windows 10 version and features will be migrated. Outline who will migrate to Windows 10 first. Plan how to transition to Windows 10 with a migration roadmap. Desktop Support Managers Service Desk Managers Prepare for the steps that will be needed to move to Windows 10. Overcome common roadblocks to a smooth implementation. Anticipate and avoid common post-migration pain points.
4 Executive summary Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, and Windows 7 is quickly nearing end of life. There has been little adoption of Windows 8.1 in the enterprise setting Consumers have quickly adopted Windows 10 and are looking for it at work. Windows 10 is not just another upgrade. It is leading to transformative change. Big changes for Microsoft mean big changes for you. Plan the migration immediately. Rapid consumer adoption, BYOD, and new hardware make an immediate plan a necessity. Waiting for Windows 7’s end of life will not cut it. Take it one step at a time. Define rings of users and let these categories guide migration methods and timing. Windows-as-a-Service means that updates and ongoing management have become more complicated. Organizations are chained to previous versions of Windows due to legacy applications and web applications that only work in older versions of Internet Explorer. The costs of migrating operating systems are daunting, and there is confusion about new features, making a business case difficult. Prepare your IT department for the impact of the new Windows Update lifecycle and take advantage of Long-Term Service Branch (LTSB) where appropriate. Learn about features such as Internet Explorer 11 Document Mode, Windows-To-Go, and in-place migrations. Structure your migration to Windows 10 so that you can get your pilot going and you don’t spend the next 24 months moving.
5 Don’t wait and see; Windows 10 is not just another OS upgrade, it requires immediate actionWindows 10 is a transformative change. Here are three reasons why this is not just another typical migration. The migration needs to happen quicker than ever. It will be necessary to migrate to Windows 10 well before end of life. Business interest and adoption for Windows 10 is unprecedented. Apps, services, and expectations will quickly focus on Windows 10 to meet demand. Don’t risk falling behind. It is the “last” version of Windows. Previous versions of Windows – such as Windows 8 –could be skipped in hopes of a better version in the future. Microsoft has positioned Windows 10 as the last release, with frequent updates replacing major named revisions. Skipping this version is not an option. Windows 10 opens the door to broad end-user computing transformation. Use it to completely reconsider end-user computing. Compatibility with enterprise mobility management tools makes unified management of all endpoints – mobile or not – a possibility. A new world of unified endpoint management is on the way. I've never in my life seen such a quick adoption or acceptance rate for starting pilot projects. – Consultant, Information and Technology Services
6 Prepare for Windows 10 even if you do not plan to upgrade immediately; it is the next widely-adopted OS The pattern of every other version being enterprise-ready has held true for recent Windows releases: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 / 8.1 Windows 10 Windows 10 will quickly become the next default operating system: Consumer adoption is high, primarily due to it being a free upgrade for the vast majority of home users. New hardware will drive adoption. Microsoft has, for the first time, released its own laptop, in addition to the well-received Surface tablets. These will inspire a new wave of hardware for both consumers and the enterprise, and all new devices will run Windows 10. BYOD will drive desire – and need. Because users will have Windows 10 at home, they will expect it at work. Support for Bring Your Own Windows 10 Devices will also become necessary. Is Windows 10 the next “good” version? Early adoption points to confidence that it is. In its early days, adoption of Windows 10 has already reached over 12%, while other versions plummet.* 12.4% XP Vista 7 8 / 8.1 10 - 2.1% - 1.6% - 7.0% - 1.6% 12.4% is more than all computers running OSX, higher than Windows 7 adoption at the same time post-release, and just behind Windows 8.1. * Source: U.S. Government Digital Analytics, as compiled by ZDNet, late 2015
7 Use Windows 10 as a launching pad for unified endpoint managementConsider how your Windows migration can be more than a simple upgrade. Tools like enterprise mobility management (EMM) are starting to manage all endpoints – even those running Windows 10. Long term, aim for an end-user computing strategy that includes unified endpoint management. Traditional Mobile Cutting Edge Unified endpoint management Traditional endpoint management EMM MDM Devices Applications Data Start with managing mobile devices, BYOD endpoints, and/or low-risk Windows 10 devices using your EMM solution. Unified management is a long-term plan, but some components can be managed together today. Other endpoints and services will take longer to integrate into unified management.
8 It’s not a matter of “if,” but “whenIt’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.” Plan a migration that is all about timing Wait for the first service pack? Not any more Info-Tech Insight Is Windows 10 really the last version of Windows? Probably not. Microsoft has transformed as a company, but we believe that some things never change. Even if the terminology is different, there will still be major releases of Windows 10, such as the “November update” of Going further, we are skeptical that there will never be another all-new version of Windows. Especially in the fast-paced world of end-user computing technology, one rule of thumb does still apply: never say never. Windows 10 puts several twists on the typical migration: Microsoft has positioned it as the “last version” of Windows. Updates are delivered in small, frequent increments rather than named versions or service packs. This is also referred to as “Windows-as-a-Service,” resembling SaaS rather than a typical OS. But you have to get to Windows 10 before the service-like model kicks in. Bottom Line: There is no service pack to wait for, and skipping Windows 10 entirely is not an option. Set a target migration date now Do better than XP. Many organizations stayed on Windows XP until it reached end of life, leading to rushed migrations or use of risky legacy technology. Avoid rules of thumb. Waiting for the first service pack no longer applies. Instead, do the work of developing a migration plan, with Info-Tech’s help. Set a migration date. Use this blueprint to analyze what needs to go into the migration, then draft a roadmap with a target migration date.
9 Four reasons to move to Windows 10 immediatelyTools like System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) were traditionally used to manage Windows PCs, but mobility changed the way organizations think about endpoint management. Windows 10 introduces EMM management and other mobile-style features like the Windows Store for Business. There are more options for control 1 Many security features have been added or upgraded since Windows 8. For BYOD devices, automatic updates can guarantee the latest security patches. Security is built in 2 New security features include: Enterprise Data Protection Passport Windows Defender Virtual Secure Mode Device Guard Windows Hello Azure Rights Management Trusted Apps New hybrid devices, like Microsoft’s own Surface Pro 4, are seeing business adoption and ship with Windows 10. As hardware is upgraded, Windows 10 is inevitable. New hardware requires it 3 Much hype has surrounded the return of the start menu after its disappearance with Windows 8. It is a minor change, but can ease the transition for Windows XP and 7 users. More importantly, it shows that Microsoft is willing to respond to user feedback when there is enough resistance to change. Yes, the start menu is back 4
10 Four reasons to avoid Windows 10 for nowAlthough there are more options for how to control Windows 10, there is also a loss of control over certain aspects of Windows 10. The most disruptive is the automation of updates to the OS. Some editions can delay updates, but Microsoft is moving toward controlling updates as a service. Businesses lose control 1 New security features are offset by new security and privacy risks. Telemetry data is shared with Microsoft and features like Cortana need to be disabled due to sensitive data potentially being widely shared. There are security and privacy downsides 2 Some legacy applications and hardware will require Windows 7 – or earlier – for the foreseeable future. Windows 10 will be adding another OS to manage, rather than replacing earlier versions entirely. Legacy technology is not going away 3 For the user, features like Cortana and the new Edge browser are differences from Windows 7 or 8. In a business setting, Cortana is likely to be disabled and reliance on Internet Explorer will continue. Thus, for the user, Windows 10 may be great at home, but may not bring any major benefits at work. User-facing features have little business benefit 4 Even if you don’t migrate to Windows 10 right now, you still need a plan right now. The points above are obstacles, but a move to Windows 10 is inevitable. Begin testing and planning now in order to overcome these obstacles and prepare for a wider deployment.
11 Integrate your migration strategy with a broader end-user computing roadmapA strong mobile strategy is one stop in a comprehensive end-user computing roadmap. Start here Mobility Desktops Disruptive Technology Master the Ever-Expanding Puzzle of End-User Computing Create a Practical BYOE Action Plan Exploit Disruptive Infrastructure Technology Seize the Potential of the Internet of Things Today Vendor Landscape: Enterprise Mobility Management X You are here: Migrate to Windows 10 Switch Mobile Platforms Vendor Landscape: Desktop Virtualization Implement Enterprise Mobility Management Develop & Enforce Policies that Securely Enable a Mobile Workforce Choose and Implement a Mobile Strategy Implement Desktop Virtualization Vendor Landscape: Thin Clients
12 Info-Tech offers various levels of support to best suit your needsGuided Implementation “Our team knows that we need to fix a process, but we need assistance to determine where to focus. Some check-ins along the way would help keep us on track.” DIY Toolkit “Our team has already made this critical project a priority, and we have the time and capability, but some guidance along the way would be helpful.” Workshop “We need to hit the ground running and get this project kicked off immediately. Our team has the ability to take this over once we get a framework and strategy in place.” Consulting “Our team does not have the time or the knowledge to take this project on. We need assistance through the entirety of this project.” Diagnostics and consistent frameworks used throughout all four options
13 Migrate to Windows 10 – Project Overview1. Launch the Migration 2. Prepare for Deployment 3. Deploy Windows 10 Best-Practice Toolkit Assess your current state Define your future state Organize user groups into rings Launch your Windows 10 test and pilot Deploy Windows 10 Address people issues Guided Implementations Explore Windows 10 for your organization. Review your current state. Review your future state and cost/benefit analysis. Map user groups into Windows-as-a- Service. Create a test strategy. Review your test and plan your pilot. Review the pilot results. Scope out deployment strategies and training requirements. Review Windows 10 deployment plan. Review IT training plan and end-user assistance plan. Onsite Workshop Module 1: Assess Your Current State and Define Your Future State Module 2: Prepare Your Deployment Strategy Module 3: Address People Issues Phase 1 Outcome: Completed user-group analysis. Performed cost/benefit analysis. Evaluated new features. Phase 2 Outcome: Adapted to Windows Update changes. Planned your testing lab. Planned your pilot. Phase 3 Outcome: Selected a deployment approach. Deployed Windows 10 to appropriate user groups. Created a training plan.
14 Workshop overview Contact your account representative or for more information. Workshop Day 1 Workshop Day 2 Workshop Day 3 Workshop Day 4 Workshop Day 5 Activities Assess Your Current State and Define Your Future State 1.1 Establish stakeholders and contributors, and their concerns. 1.2 Identify current organizational goals. 1.3 Obtain feedback on end users’ current pain points. 1.4 Inventory software and hardware. 2.1 Cost/benefit analysis. 2.2 Choose an edition. 2.3 Choose a start date. 2.4 Identify milestones and success metrics. Prepare for Deployment 3.1 Map user groups to rings. 4.1 Set up your Windows 10 test ring. 4.2 Generate tasks associated with testing and add them to your migration roadmap. 4.3 Setup and generate tasks associated with piloting. Finish Preparing for Deployment and Address People Issues 5.1 Determine the deployment type that best suits each user group. 5.2 Configure your images and/or provisioning packages. 5.3 Plan deployment to standard, stable, and mobile rings. Address People Issues 6.1 Develop an IT and pilot ring training plan. 6.2 Expand your knowledgebase. 6.3 Develop an end-user transition support plan. 6.4 Finalize your migration roadmap. Day spent finalizing deliverables Deliverables Windows 10 Migration Plan Section 1: Current State Summary Windows 10 Migration Plan Section 2: Future State Summary Windows 10 Migration Plan Section 3: Windows-as-a-Service Plan Windows 10 Migration Plan Section 4: Test and Pilot Deployment Plan Windows 10 Migration Plan Section 5: Deployment Considerations Knowledgebase Articles Windows 10 Migration Roadmap Windows 10 Migration Plan Section 6: Training Plan