OS MIGRATION
Tech
6 Benefits of Upgrading
to Windows 10
There are many compelling reasons to make the move to Windows 10. Here are six
important ones and a quick list of ways to ease the transition.
To maintain user productivity and security, most organizations have begun
transitioning to modern versions of Windows, but a significant number
of enterprises are still running outdated operating systems like Windows
7 or Windows XP. As of July 2015, more than 60 percent of all PCs were
running Windows 7 and nearly 12 percent were still running Windows XP.i
The Dell SecureWorks Counter Threat Unit has catalogued more
than 760 vulnerabilities in Windows XP, and CTU predicts continued
discovery and disclosure of new software vulnerabilities linked to
Windows XP well beyond the end-of-support date.ii
Six Benefits of Windows 10
Not only do outdated systems pose security risks, they also prevent
the organization from accessing the benefits of a modern operating
system. Here are six of the most noteworthy.
1. Support for modern technology. When Windows XP debuted
in 2001, smartphones, tablets, virtualization, cloud computing, social
networking and Web 2.0 were all off in the future. Modern Windows,
by contrast, takes advantage of the intervening decade of technologi-
cal innovation, supporting mobility, touch screens, 64-bit architecture,
virtualization and a host of other advances. The hardware that compa-
nies buy today comes with processors and architecture that cannot run
Windows XP. These modern PCs are often thinner, lighter and more
reliable than their predecessors and may come with solid state drives
that increase speed and decrease power consumption. Deploying
these new PCs requires deploying a new OS.
2. Improved productivity. With Windows 10, users get the same,
familiar experience as Windows 7, including a task bar and apps that
work like they expect. They also get enhanced features like a Start
menu that can be customized with live tiles for even faster access to
apps and files. Plus, Windows 10 comes with enhancements such
as the Cortana digital assistant and the new Edge browser that help
workers get things done fast. The new operating system also lets
workers move from one device to another easily. Its the best combi-
nation of familiarity and flexibility.
3. Enhanced security. Windows 10 is the most secure version of
Windows ever. It offers two advanced secure authentication options:
Microsoft Passport is an easy-to-deploy two-factor password alterna-
tive that is accessible by using a PIN or Windows Hello, which provides
enterprise-grade security and supports fingerprint-, facial- and iris-based
recognition. It also includes Enterprise Data Protection, Device Guard and
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Tech
other security features that protect users against modern security threats.
4. Better manageability. The simplified deployment capabilities of
Windows 10 make it easier than ever to upgrade from earlier versions of
Windows. Plus it offers expanded mobile device management capabilities
and full support for Azure Active Directory. Organizations can choose the
management option that meets their needs across a range of devices
from basic to lightweight to full control. No matter what device or man-
agement scenario, the IT administrator can do it all from a single console.
5. Improved stability. With the Universal Windows Platform in
Windows 10, enterprises can write one app that launches across
every device but also tailors the user experience to the device based
on screen size, input and accessories. That means organizations can
take advantage of unique Windows features to get even more out of
their app investment. Debugging and distributing apps is also more
streamlined, saving time and money.
6. One Windows. Windows 10 was built to work no matter the
device form factor, from the small, thin and light up to the largest
and most powerful laptops, desktops, tablets, phones and all-in-one
PCs. Windows 10 even scales to industry and ruggedized devices,
purpose-built industry solutions, small footprint devices (Internet of
Things) and all the way up to 85-inch touch-screen conference room
displays or holographic interfaces. Windows 10 delivers one universal
app platform, one security model, and one deployment and manage-
Dell OS Migration Services
As the Microsoft U.S. Windows Deployment Partner of the Year
in 2012, 2013 and 2014, Dell has handled migrations for orga-
nizations in more than 100 companies, deploying more than a
million Windows devices every year. More than 95 percent of
Dell Windows Migration Services customers say they would be
likely to repurchase consulting services from Dell.
Dell offers end-to-end services for planning, automating and
implementing an operating system migration strategy, as well
as providing the necessary education services for workforces.
No matter the stage of the operating system transition, Dell
can help make migration go more smoothly, saving companies
as much as 55 percent on their related costs.
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OS migrations. Third-party consultants do many migrations and pass

The Windows Advantage
P rotect sensitive information: Windows devices deliver
users the industrys best multilayered data protection and
recovery options.
Connect and engage more deeply: Windows devices
offer mobile workers the integration of communication
and collaboration tools.
A ccess information anytime, anywhere: With
Windows devices, users settings and content follow
them from device to device.
Prioritize what matters: Windows-based tablets enable
users to organize, access and protect the information that
matters most to them.
ment approach. Across the board, less complexity helps enterprises
save time and money, so they can spend more time on innovation.
Ensure a Smooth Migration
Consider using an OS migration service provider. Using a migra-
tion consultant reduces costs and can ease the OS-upgrade process.
Most enterprise IT departments have limited experience conducting
on to their clients the benefits of the lessons learned.
Assess hardware and application readiness. Older systems run-
ning Windows XP may not be robust enough to run a newer OS or to
take advantage of all the potential benefits. Combining a hardware
refresh with an OS migration allows for planning and deployment of
new hardware including touch-screen devices to enable flexible
mobile computing. Also, application readiness presents its own chal-
lenges. Leveraging automation solutions such as Dells ChangeBASE
can speed the process, and Dells application packaging factories test,
remediate and package hundreds of applications every week.
Evaluate automation solutions. The right tools can automate the
PC build process, including the base image, OS settings, applications,
user data migration, domain join and encryption. Dell consultants
use technologies such as Dell Automated Deployment and KACE to
simplify migration. In many cases, migration can be so automated
that users can self-serve.
Prepare a deployment plan. Preparedness for an OS migration
entails devising a detailed plan and schedule for deployment man-
agement, logistics and staging, image management, application
management, data management, user-state migration and post-
deployment support. Dell Managed Deployment leverages a unique
cloud-based migration management tool called Client Deployment
Manager to keep migrations on track.

Concurrent Steps for Ensuring a Smooth OS Migration

Prepare Deployment Plan Select an OS

Assess Hardware and A  pplication Readiness Train Help Desk Staff a  nd End Users
Refresh aging hardware.
C
 reate pre- and post-migration training plans.
Investigate application testing and remediation C
 onsider hiring a training partner.
solutions such as Dell ChangeBASE.

Evaluate
Evaluate Automation
Automation S  olutions Assess
PrepareHardware
Deployment andPlan
Solutions
C
 ompare products and vendors. Application
M Readiness
 ake final technology decisions.
D
 ecide whether to hire a consultant D  raft a detailed schedule.
partner.

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Train the help desk staff and end users. While Windows 10 was Feature Comparison
built to be friendly and familiar, organizations should address training
proactively, with a plan and schedule for pre- and post-migration train- WINDOWS XP WINDOWS 7 WINDOWS 8.1 WINDOWS 10
ing. Dell Education Services offers a range of classroom, online and Enables multitasking more easily
point-of-need solutions for training IT staff and users.
Finds files and programs instantly
Seize the Opportunity Supports mouse and keyboard
Forward-thinking enterprises are using the OS migration opportunity
to make improvements that will affect the organization for years to Runs Windows XP business programs
come. Many are going beyond simply adopting an OS designed for Fully compatible with 64-bit architecture
mobility to embrace mobile devices that make the workplace more
flexible and productive. Features built-in defense against spyware and malware
Some enterprises are improving efficiency and employee satisfac- Supports Internet Explorer 11
tion with bring-your-own-device, choose-your-own-device and/or
corporate-owned-personally-enabled (COPE) programs. Many use the Familiar Start Menu
application-assessment process as a springboard for better application Includes Windows Store access for apps purchase
tracking, helping control costs and reduce wasteful spending.
An OS migration is an ideal time to make changes that affect the Runs two apps side by side through Snap multitasking
bottom line. The brunt of planning and deployment need not burden Supports USB 3.0 natively
an already taxed IT workforce. Expert OS and hardware migration
consultants are available to help identify unknowns, mitigate risk and Offers better support for multiple monitors
customize improvements. Features cloud connectivity, app model
Moving PCs off older versions of Windows avoids the risks of unsup-
ported software while providing the high levels of security, productivity Retains settings and apps on all devices
and manageability inherent in a modern operating system. Starts up faster

Supports both x86 PCs and ARM tablets

Resources for Windows 10 Migration Optimized for touch, also works on non-touch

Windows 10 for Business Support for Universal Windows Apps 10

www.dell.com/windows10 Includes the all-new Edge browser
Windows Migration and PC Deployment
www.dell.com/pcrefresh Securely authenticates users with Microsoft Passport
Dell Windows Migration Services IT Consulting and Windows Hello
www.dell.com/services Enhances productivity with Cortana Digital Assistant
Microsoft Training by Dell
https://learndell.com or email US_Training@Dell.com to contact a Continuum switches from tablet to laptop mode seamlessly
training consultant Resume work faster with InstaGo

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and Conserves power automatically with Battery Saver
other countries.
Simplifies device management
Enterprise data protection and Device Guard

i http://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx
ii http://www.secureworks.com/cyber-threat-intelligence/threats/security-implications-of-microsoft-windows-xp-end-of-support/

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