Now that Microsoft is allowing for free upgrades to Windows 10 the question remains – does it make sense for businesses to make the switch? While making the switch can be a heavy undertaking, the effort is well worth it. Windows 10 offers many improvements over both Windows 7 and Windows 8. Here’s a list of reasons why business of all sizes will benefit from using Microsoft’s newest operating system:
Gives IT Departments Greater Control
One of the challenges IT departments have faced is that it is often difficult for them to control the process of making operating system updates company-wide. With the Windows Update for Business, this gives the IT department a chance to control he process of making the switch to Windows 10 while keeping the devices secure. They can also set up device groups, which will enable them to roll out the upgrades slowly so that they can assess how well the devices are performing with the new update before moving on to the next batch. IT departments will also be able to manage the apps that people within the business are using on their machines.
Improved User Interface
Windows 10 has an improved user interface over Windows 8. Although it closely resembles the Windows 7 interface that many businesses preferred, Windows 10 has made some key improvements that were possibly inspired by Windows 8. For instance, Windows 10 has retained the touchscreen friendly environment while also reintroducing the start menu, which they eliminated in favor of the “start screen” in Windows 8. However, it is an error to think of Windows 10 as simply an improvement on Windows 7 and Windows 8 – it is actually a new platform. Dubbed the UWP or Universal Windows Platform, it is designed to be a complete, cross platform user interface that will work on PC’s, tablets, phones, and more.
Enhanced Security Features
The improved security features of Windows 10 are a real benefit, especially for the IT and security departments. One of the best security features available is the identity management, which reduces the need for multiple passwords and allows for greater mobility between desktops and the Azure cloud. Microsoft has also strengthened their mobile device management by improving on the build your own device features from Windows 8. They’ve also implemented other security features, such as Device Guard’s stronger defenses against Advanced Persistent Threats.
Windows 7 and 8 Will No Longer Be Supported
Another reason why businesses should upgrade is that Microsoft will be offering full mainstream support until October 13, 2020 and extended support until October 14, 2025. On the other hand, their support of Windows 7 and Windows 8 is coming to a close. The end of mainstream support for Windows 7 has already ended on January 13, 2015 and extended support will end on January 14, 2020. Mainstream support for Windows 8 will end on January 9, 2018 and extended support will end on January 10, 2023.
Windows 10 is an appealing choice for businesses because it solves many of the design flaws from Windows 8 and has all the familiarity of the popular Windows 7 operating system. Not only that, but there are several key improvements that businesses will appreciate, such as the additional security features.
This is the right time to make the upgrade! Users of Windows XP and Windows Vista will need to pay upgrade fees, but Users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 will be able to enjoy free upgrades until July 29, 2016. However, business users of Windows should check with their IT staff before making any upgrades to determine any implications and to help the process go as smoothly as possible.
