First, let's clarify the basic concept of Windows Servicing, define important terminology, and explain the update release and EoL timeline logistics.
Overview of the Windows Servicing concept and terminology. Confused by the new Windows Servicing concept or its ever-changing terminology? Then this is the article for you as we define all relevant terms, pick apart the differences between feature and quality updates, and much more.
Windows-as-a-Service Isn't Just About Continuous Updates — It's About Evergreen IT. Despite Microsoft's marketing efforts, large organizations fear the consequences of this fast upgrade pace as it requires a huge shift towards Evergreen IT — which in turn requires companies to define a Business-as-Usual scope, get business unit buy-in for faster, more frequent updates, and create continuous functions and budget/procurement processes, in addition to automated workflows and repeatable scalable processes.
Windows Timeline & Change Log. Since the first introduction of Windows-as-a-Service in August 2015, the new Windows support model has undergone five major changes which are confusing and frustrating to figure out. This article is our most popular and most comprehensive write-up on the timeline logistics of the Windows Servicing model. And the best part: we are always keeping it up-to-date. So bookmark it for future reference.
Important Windows 10 Release & EoL dates. Not sure when Windows 10 version 1809 will go end of life? Or when Windows 7 extended mainstream support ends? Look no further. This article includes all important dates you need to know until January 2020.
How to sell Windows Servicing to your business units. Most business units will be very apprehensive about major changes every 6-18 months. Here are ten ways to not only get them on board, but excited about the faster velocity of change.
Dead-End Streets You Should Avoid At All Cost During Your Windows 11 Migration. No enterprise IT manager can afford to fail in this massive undertaking. However, most haven't rolled out Windows 11 yet. Here are some pitfalls to avoid that we learned from helping dozens of customers ready literally millions of assets for migration.
Further Resources & Next Steps:
After thoroughly understanding the fundamental concept of Windows Servicing, you will need to make some strategic decisions and set up your processes, teams, budget streams, and much more. Section 201 will outline all these important considerations:
The Basics Of Planning a Windows Servicing Delivery. Once you migrate to Windows 10, you will have access to a new version of Windows every six months. Once on a version, you have between 18-30 months to upgrade to the newest version. These 10 steps will make your strategic planning easier.
Repeatable Processes: The Only Way To Manage Frequent Windows Updates Effectively. Since the Windows Servicing is delivered differently, the management and delivery of it requires a strategic rethinking of your infrastructure and processes and a departure from traditional IT management to handle these mini-migrations every 6-18 months.
The Impact Of Managing Windows-as-a-Service With Deployment Rings. Windows 10 Deployment Rings, a concept first introduced by Microsoft, allow you to stagger your rollout by assigning your users into deployment waves. This article outlines what deployment rings are and what an impact this strategy can have,
Who Should Be On Your A-List Windows Servicing Team. Since your project management approach is changing, your team roles need to change as well to adapt to a continuous Servicing Update management model going forward. For many, this function will be assimilated into the Business As Usual team, a change which could have major impacts if not managed correctly. Here is how.
Must-Include Items On Your Request-for-Proposal To Outsource Your Windows Servicing. If you are considering outsourcing your Windows-as-a-Service management, these articles should be part of your Request-for-Proposal must-include list.
Further Resources & Next Steps:
As with other complex projects, the devil is in the detail with Windows-as-a-Service. This section will walk you through each step of the way.
How To Accelerate Windows 10 Upgrade Rollout With Dashworks. Above, we describe how to set up a repeatable and scalable process. This article dives deeper and shows you how to use Dashworks to accelerate your Win 10 Servicing rollout.
How To Manage Windows & Office Servicing: A Data Model. In your planning process, you will have to make a lot of data decisions. This article highlights the data perspective of creating an efficient, streamlined, end-to-end feature update release process from start to finish.
Windows Servicing Microsoft Tools (coming soon)
How To Choose The Right Windows 10 Deployment Ring Enrollment Criterion For Your Organization. While Microsoft talks a lot about their deployment ring concept, they haven't shared much about how to identify who should be placed in each ring. Understandably, this leads to a lot of trial and error and even myths surrounding deployment rings. Here you will find practical guidance on which enrollment criteria Juriba recommends to its clients.
Tool Requirements For Optimal Windows-as-a-Service Management. Enterprises need to adopt a lifecycle management framework that enables the aggregation of application dependencies and compatibility status. Additionally, the process needs to consume and support testing results, device allocation, scheduling and, of course, the initiation of the upgrade itself. To manage this, you will need an IT Transformation tool that can support you in your projects as well as your ongoing processes.
Using Microsoft Tools To Manage Your Windows-as-a-Service Delivery
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