This isn’t intended to be a boast – indeed it probably indicates I need serious medical attention – but I’ve just picked up my iPhone X (got to keep reminding myself to say, “iPhone 10”). I mention this because it’s quite an indicator of progress. To much fanfare, the “X” was launched as the 10th-anniversary update to the original iPhone. The first release could barely make calls but, today, we’ve got built-in AR/VR, face recognition and lots of wizardry at our fingertips.
Anyway, enough of my tech-geeky dithering, my point is: it’s been about 16 years since Windows XP was launched and now most companies are, at least, well into planning and even executing their Windows 10 deployments. (If you haven’t started your planning process, we’ve got experts here who can help) Surprisingly, many organizations are still relying on the same methods they used to deploy Windows XP and Windows 7 – mostly hoping that PCs will be replaced so they can avoid any complicated upgrade programs. News flash: they’re wrong.
It stands to reason that in 2017/8, 20-year-old upgrade processes, still in use by many organizations, will no longer be fit for purpose. Especially with today’s incredible pace of change in hardware, OS and applications (and the Windows servicing model requiring an OS upgrade every year is the tipping point for many).
With just over 2 years to the end of service for Windows 7, normal computer replacement lifecycles (which can take 3 or 4 years to renew the entire estate) won’t be able to get every system updated in time.
It’s timely, then, that Gartner recently released a report discussing how to deploy Windows 10 more quickly. It includes concrete recommendations for how to minimize the impact of the rollout and prepare for the continuing updates required by the Windows servicing model.

1E has now made the report available for free. Head on over to get your copy now. In addition, we’re offering a Thin Client guide for free, too. That’s right, a 2 for 1 deal. You’re welcome!