Microsoft’s latest operating system has proved itself say tech chiefs who will start their upgrade projects this year.

Source: Windows 10: Businesses are ready to upgrade – TechRepublic

Windows 7 mainstream support officially ended in 2015.   Extended support ends in 2020.  Now more than ever businesses need to start seriously considering making the move to Windows 10.  However, this is not a decision or task that should be taken lightly.  Poor planning or lack of preparation could lead to costly downtime or inefficiency.

Is your business ready to upgrade to Windows 10?  Here are some key areas you should focus on:

  • Compatibility with:
    • Legacy applications
      Do you use any specialized software applications for accounting, inventory, sales, etc?  Have they been fully tested on Windows 10?  Can they be updated?  Are there any alternatives?
    • Hardware/Drivers
      Some hardware may need to be upgraded or replaced if the manufacturer has not released Windows 10 compatible drivers or software. Take inventory of all hardware and check manufacturer’s support sites for any available patches.
    • Servers
      Properly managing Windows 10 systems on your network may require upgrading to Windows Server 2012 to unlock features not available on older versions.
  • User Training
    Don’t assume everyone will know how to use Windows 10 simply because they used Windows 7.  Windows 10 features several dramatic changes in the user interface that can confuse users, but it also includes improvements that could make certain tasks more efficient.
  • Timeline
    Develop a reasonable timeline.  There’s no rush at the moment to upgrade.  Deploying a new operating system is a serious task that should take time.
  • Plan B (for Backup)
    Have a “backup” plan if the upgrade is a bust or things are not working out.  Keep backups of previous systems to roll back changes if necessary.

Contact us today and we’ll work with you to develop an upgrade plan that works for you and your business!

 

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