In a recent development, Microsoft managed to convince the Chinese government to install Windows 10 on its computers. Now, the Redmond giant says that all state authorities across the world should install Windows 10, as it believes that the new operating system is the perfect choice for government entities.
Microsoft in an article titled “Six Reasons Why Governments Should Upgrade to Windows 10” explains that its new operating system is the perfect solution for every state out there because it offers speed, efficiency, choices, control, flexibility and security not yet available on other platforms.
For example, on the exact same hardware, Windows 10 was found to be 30% faster than Windows 7, while at the same time offering advantages like better hardware acceleration and improved power management.
For efficiency, Microsoft highlights Cortana and Edge as the two new tools that help employees work better, though really, the latter still needs a lot of work to be the browser of choice for many. It says that security has been significantly improved, and features such as Device Guard, Credential Guard, and Windows Hello are examples of the same.
And when it comes to control features, Microsoft highlights Windows 10 as it gives governments’ full control of their systems.
“For example, Mobile Device Management empowers IT administrators to manage the entire family of Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) – both safely and securely. And Azure Active Directory Join enables administrators can maintain one directory, while giving employees one login with which to securely access their Windows settings and data across of their Windows 10 devices,” Redmond says.
Simultaneously, Microsoft discusses flexibility and choice, explaining that governments can select from a wide variety of devices running Windows 10, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
With the November Update released for the OS, Microsoft certainly believes that this version of Windows is now ready for enterprise deployments.
However, it is to be seen whether Microsoft can take up the challenge to convince businesses and enterprises, especially government organizations to move to a new operating system, even if it is Windows 10.
Reasons:
- Performance. The new Windows is fast. For example, boot time is now nearly 30 percent faster than Windows 7 on the same device. In addition, Windows 10 includes better hardware acceleration and improved power management.
- Efficiency. Windows 10 includes several new features that enable governments to work faster and more productively. For example, the Cortana personal digital assistant helps employees manage their calendars, find files, and obtain quick access to the information they need. In addition, Microsoft Edge, the new browser included with Windows 10, enables government employees to hover over their open tabs and get a preview of what’s on those websites without leaving the page they’re on. Moreover, Microsoft Edge now syncs employees’ favorites and reading list items across devices so they can easily get back to the content they’re interested in most.
- Security. Windows 10 was designed to protect our customers from modern threats, and we continue to strengthen our new operating system to make it the most trusted platform ever. The new update offers Credential Guard, which safeguards credentials inside a hardware-based virtualized environment, breaking the popular “pass the hash” used in many major breaches. It also includes Device Guard, which prevents intruders from installing malware, and Windows Hello, which enables governments to log in password-free with enterprise-grade biometrics including fingerprint and facial recognition. Windows 10 also include Windows Defender, a free anti-malware service that protects nearly 300 million devices every day.
- Control. With Windows 10, governments can take full control over how they manage their systems. For example, Mobile Device Management empowers IT administrators to manage the entire family of Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—both safely and securely. And Azure Active Directory Join enables administrators can maintain one directory, while giving employees one login with which to securely access their Windows settings and data across of their Windows 10 devices.
- Flexibility. Windows Store for Business provides IT a flexible way to find, acquire, manage, and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices – both Windows Store apps and custom line-of-business apps. Organizations can choose their preferred distribution method by directly assigning apps, publishing apps to a private store, or connecting with management solutions. Government customers will also benefit from features such as universal apps, which allows the same app to run on every Windows device—including phones, laptops, and PCs.
- Choice. Whether working from the road or at their desks, the Windows 10 device ecosystem gives governments the ultimate choice as to how they work. From small, low-cost tablets perfect for government workers in the field, to sleek 2-in-1s and ultra-thin laptops to large-format devices like the 84-inch Surface Hub, employees can work the way they need to—all using the same user interface and running the same apps. And importantly, all of these devices can be secured with the same familiar tools governments have used to manage and secure their desktop environments.
Performance, efficiency, security, control, flexibility, and choice – six great reasons why government customers should upgrade to Windows 10. As Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group, put it, “We would encourage everyone to upgrade because Windows 10 is the best Windows ever.” If you work for a government agency, maybe it’s time you take a look.