Microsoft Windows 10 is just around the corner. With its release on July 29, 2015, users will be able to upgrade their devices to Windows latest operating system. Windows 10 is much anticipated because of the bad user experience from Windows 8.1.
Microsoft recognized the limitations of Windows 8.1 and the complaints from users and promises an operating system that combines the best of Windows 7 and 8.1 along with some new features to make using a device even easier and more convenient.
Below are the top 5 reasons why you should update your customers to Windows 10, starting with the number one reason – cost.
1. From your customer’s perspective, it’s free! That’s right, free. It doesn’t get any more affordable than that. Any device with a Pro version of Windows 7 or Windows 8 will get the update to Windows 10 at no cost. This applies to all devices – tablets, computers, and phones. Don’t worry though, this doesn’t mean your revenue stream for Windows support just disappeared. Customers will be able to choose two different “tracks” for updates, both of which will come at a cost. This allows you to bill customers for support and relieve your customers from worrying about keeping their systems updated.
Microsoft realized some businesses are wary of the frequent updates for personal Windows users. The need to train employees on new features takes time and money, as does testing out updates. Microsoft recognized this and created two ways for businesses to receive updates. The Current Branch for Business, or CBB, gives a business’ IT department time to test updates before deploying them across an enterprise. Another option is Long-term Servicing, or LTS. This track allows businesses to receive security and critical updates on systems vital to a business’ operations while minimizing the non-critical and non-security updates. The LTS track even allows a business to select which systems receive this track, which gives greater flexibility.
2. Customers will recognize the look and feel of Windows. One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8.1 is how difficult it is to use. Microsoft heard this loud and clear and is returning a favorite feature of users – the “Start Menu”. The Start Menu returns to its normal position with more functionality. Your customers can customize the menu to meet their needs, combining a favorite feature of users with new functionality. This means less customer help desk calls for tech support, which will free up your technicians for other tasks.
3. You should receive less calls for help when customers get Windows 10 installed. This is because Windows 10 is designed to work with the software and hardware already installed on a computer. Your technicians won’t have to search for drivers or figure out how to get software or hardware to work. Windows 10 will automatically recognize and configure everything on a computer.
4. Internet Explorer, and all its security vulnerabilities, is a thing of the past. Windows 10 includes a new browsing experience with Microsoft Edge. Your customers’ systems will be much more secure and should have less issues, especially with security.
5. Some of the best features of Windows 10 are the increased security and faster Internet browsing. This will provide your customers with a much better computer experience, which will increase their satisfaction with the IT support you provide them. Some highlights that will boost your standing in your customers’ eyes and should reduce the number of help calls you get:
(i) A new feature called “Cortana” allows customers to access certain functions, such as making reservations, travel itineraries, product reviews, etc. without leaving the page they are viewing. Cortana also features reminders and will work across all the customer’s devices to learn what useful information the customer needs. Cortana will organize the information and provide reminders at the right time and place to ensure customers stay on schedule and on task.
(ii) Greater flexibility when working with apps. Customers can have up to four apps displayed at one time, in a single view. Customers can also create a virtual desktop if they need more space or want to group apps or programs by project.
(iii) Windows 10 features integrated separation of work and personal apps. This feature works across all devices with Windows 10 installed – tablets, computers, and phones. Customers can wipe business files and data from a user’s device without impacting personal files or apps.
(iv) Increased protection for sensitive data. Windows 10 links the ability to open files with user accounts at a file level. This means wherever a file goes its protection follows. This also means customers will be able to open files they have access to regardless of the device they are using.
(v) Windows 10 includes integrated anti-phishing and anti-malware features designed to keep your customer’s device protected and secure. File and disk encryption also ensure your customer’s sensitive and private data stays that way.
(vi) With Windows 10 your customers are able to use their existing domain or they can use single sign-on across Windows, Office 365, OneDrive, and more. Customers can also access the Business Store to acquire and manage Windows apps.
(vii) Customers will have an even greater ability to collaborate from wherever they want to work. Customers can work together, or with their own customers, to edit documents, talk, use cloud services, and more.
(viii) Your customers won’t need a network connection in order to do work. With Windows 10 they will have the ability to work on local apps and save files to a local drive. The next time the device connects to a network the files will synch back to the cloud and again be available on any device.
There you have it – the top 5 reasons you should update your customers to Windows 10. Mark your calendars for the release on July 29, 2015 and take advantage of all the new features and capabilities from Microsoft.
Until next time,
Success Team