The Windows 10 release on July 29 is shaping up to be one of the most-anticipated Microsoft software releases in recent memory. CIOs and consumers alike are getting excited about the software update that is loaded with enterprise-ready and innovative features. The new system will bring together a single operating system for both Windows mobile devices and traditional PCs. This is a game changer for enterprise mobility management. With Windows 10, IT admins can take advantage of the full management capabilities from the same console on all Windows devices regardless if they are mobile devices or PCs.
With dozens of updates, new features and applications added to the operating system, here’s a list of the top 10 things IT pros should know about the Windows 10 release:
1. Microsoft is making EMM the standard management for all devices. With Windows 10, EMM becomes the defacto standard in managing all Windows devices. It is the first truly mobile operating system from Windows and showcases Microsoft’s commitment to unified endpoint management. With Windows 10, all Windows devices can be managed with an enterprise mobility management solution, like AirWatch.
2. Devices can be set up for an “out of the box” experience. With Windows 10, users are guided through the setup process and streamlined through EMM enrollment the first time they power on the device. Native single sign-on capabilities and Azure Active Directory integration will also make setup, management and use of the devices easier for IT and end-users alike.
3. Windows 10 redefines traditional imaging. New runtime provisioning modernizes traditional deployment use cases. Runtime provisioning will allow IT to configure general devices without needing to re-image for organizational use.
4. Universal apps will be available in the Windows Store. Just as the operating system is designed to be consistent across devices, Microsoft is unifying the app experience across all devices. One Windows Store for all Windows devices will ease the application development process with universal apps that work across phones, tablets and computers. The new, unified Windows Store will be enterprise ready and organizations will also be able to fully control the Store features and distribution using AirWatch-management services. This includes the ability to install and uninstall apps, control app updates and manage app licenses.
5. It will feature a new Internet browser.Microsoft Edge is the new browser that will replace Internet Explorer on Windows 10 devices. Edge integrates with Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual personal assistant, and is marketed as faster, modern, contextual and personalized.
6. Biometrics will be integrated and automated. Through the introduction of Windows Hello and Passport, Microsoft is fundamentally integrating biometric technology into the software. Windows Hello will provide biometric authentication into a user’s device through fingerprint, face or iris detection. Passport is an authentication feature that IT can use to replace passwords on various apps and services integrated with Azure Active Directory. Windows 10 will authenticate the user on his or her behalf, eliminating the need for passwords. Microsoft is calling the level of security for these biometrics “enterprise-grade” and hence, approved for use on enterprise devices, applications and systems.
7. Intelligent update schedules with Windows Update for Business. Windows 10 will introduce a smart system for deploying updates to enterprise users with Windows Update for Business. This new program allows IT to control the deployment schedule for feature and security updates on enterprise devices. According to Blogging Windows, Windows Update for Business will provide:
- Distribution rings, where IT can determine waves of device updates to work out quality issues.
- Maintenance windows, where IT can set timeframes when updates should and should not occur.
- Peer to peer delivery, for branch offices and remote sites with limited bandwidth for more efficient delivery updates.
- Integration with your existing tools like enterprise mobility management providers for continued management from a “single pane of glass.”
8. It introduces advanced security features and policies. Microsoft has introduced several advanced security features new to Windows 10. Device Guard, one of these new features, will give organizations the ability to lock down devices against malware. A company can identify what apps it considers to be trustworthy and automatically block malicious applications that do not meet the organization’s standards. Secure Boot updates will only allow trusted software to load when a device is turned on, while Health Attestation will allow IT to determine the health of an enterprise-managed device and take compliance actions when necessary.
9. Enterprise Data Protection progresses DLP across operating systems. Windows’ advanced DLP system, Enterprise Data Protection, will be integrated into the Windows 10 software, protect data at the file-system level and be transparent for users. Windows 10 DLP will also differentiate between corporate and personal data on the device and IT will have the ability to classify data, domains and apps as “corporate.”
10. AirWatch will support Windows 10. AirWatch customers have grown accustomed to managing all device types and operating systems from the single AirWatch management console, and soon customers can manage Windows 10 devices as well.
The Windows 10 is a massive update for Microsoft as it is slated to bring greater simplicity, security and user functionality to the millions of Windows device users across the globe. Stay tuned for more updates on AirWatch support for Windows 10.