Windows 10 may not be a free upgrade anymore, but it’s something that businesses still using Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and (heaven forbid) Windows XP should be looking into. But there’s a lot to consider when evaluating migration options. Let’s take a look at three of the more common concerns:

1. How secure is it?

This question is kind of a two-parter. Migrations themselves can fall to any number of security pitfalls. For instance, a migration conducted on production equipment (as opposed to in a separate staging environment) is inherently insecure. But if the migration is planned and executed appropriately then security risks – and unplanned downtime – are minimized.

As for the operating system itself, Windows 10 is currently being touted as unprecedented in its level of sophistication, particularly Windows Hello, which allows users to use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) linked to a specific device. That said, Responza’s policy has always been to include third-party anti-virus along with the built in security systems.

2. What about our users?

Lost productivity – both during and after the upgrade – is definitely something to consider. If the migration is done correctly (i.e., after hours), users shouldn’t have any issues until after the migration has already been successfully completed. But how about after the fact? New operating systems mean new ways of working, and there’s naturally going to be a learning curve for Windows 10. Fortunately, the curve isn’t that steep for users who have kept up with the Microsoft Windows lifecycle. And the new features will make you wonder why it ever took so long to complete tasks.

3. Who can upgrade us?

Well, you can do it yourself, but that’s definitely not something we would advise you to do. And it’s not just because we’re in the IT business. It’s because there is more to an upgrade than just the upgrade itself. Your device might not be compatible. Are older applications even accessible in the new OS? How about backing up existing data so that it’s accessible in your new operating system? There’s a lot to consider, and it’s our job to help you with those considerations.

Contact Responza today to set up a FREE Network Assessment.

Contact Reponza for a FREE Network Assessment