Summary
The countdown is on for higher education institutions as Microsoft’s Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date on October 14. Institutions will face compulsory fees for Extended Security Updates unless they transition to Windows 11 sooner rather than later. Keith Arnold, the senior IT director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), shares insights on a structured approach taken for this migration, outlining steps taken to mitigate costs and streamline the process while ensuring complete functionality of their systems.
Arnold highlights the importance of thorough evaluation, early testing, and collaboration with various IT sectors to ensure smooth transitions. The VUMC has been actively updating their devices over multiple years, with the aim to reduce the number of devices needing costly support by this October. With a focus on security and capability improvements, the transition is not only a necessity but a strategic move for modernising their IT infrastructure.
Key Points
- Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support date on October 14, increasing costs for institutions using Extended Security Updates.
- VUMC adopted a phased approach to upgrade devices, beginning with evaluation in 2021 and implementation starting in April 2022.
- As of now, VUMC has successfully migrated 92% of its administrative workstations to Windows 11.
- Collaboration among IT, app owners, and cybersecurity teams has been crucial for a successful migration and certification of applications.
- VUMC focuses on sustainability in its disposal process for noncompatible devices, ensuring secure recycling practices.
Why should I read this?
If you’re in the world of higher education IT, this article is a must-read! It’s packed with real-world insights from VUMC’s transition to Windows 11, detailing how they navigated the upgrade smoothly while minimising costs. Perfect if you want to avoid the panic that often comes with such an update and instead tackle it like a pro!