Gathering Existing Devices Windows Autopilot Device IDs
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Gathering Existing Devices Windows Autopilot Device IDs

Update 8/1/2020: Microsoft has updated their official blog post a number of times since this post to include automated ways from Intune and ConfigManager. We have published a number of posts about what Windows Autopilot is and how to setup and test. Now that so many organizations have taken note of Modern Device Management advantages…

Making the Case to Embrace Modern Device Management
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Making the Case to Embrace Modern Device Management

This morning, a new blog post of mine was published on DellEMC Infocus. Drive productivity by ensuring your organization leverages modern tools to achieve results..  Read the full article here This is a follow-up to the previously posted blog Empower Your Organization by Moving to Modern Device Management While you are at it, check out…

5G – A game Changer for Device Management
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5G – A game Changer for Device Management

5G is fast coming to market with roll outs expected across the world in 2019 and 2020.      This technology is not only an core enabler for IoT, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, but also has significant implications as an enabled for Workforce Transformation and Modern Device Management.    As many of you know there is an immense amount of work going on behind the scenes to enable 5G,…

Updating Windows 10 Edition with Autopilot / Intune
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Updating Windows 10 Edition with Autopilot / Intune

As opposed to previous versions of the Microsoft Operating System, where each edition came as a separate ISO, there is only one package for the latest Windows 10 OS that can be “unlocked” when activated to have the edition you need.      (there are some restrictions/requirements based on licensing) One of the most common…

Azure Active Directory
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Azure Active Directory

Microsoft released Active Directory in Windows 2000 server, and it became a standard for enterprise identity management. Active Directory lives on-premises in servers called Domain Controllers (DC). Active Directory lives on-premise in servers called Domain Controllers (DC). Windows Active Directory or commonly referenced as Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft’s predecessor to Azure Active Directory, Azure Active Directory…

Windows Autopilot White Glove Details Announced..
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Windows Autopilot White Glove Details Announced..

What is Windows Autopilot white glove? The new Windows Autopilot white glove process, which lets IT technicians, partners, and even OEMs pre-provision devices before they are delivered to the user. Using this process, all device configuration tasks, including apps (machine-targeted or user-targeted), certificates, and policies, can be completed in advance, making it so that when…

Modern Device Management: More than Just Technology
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Modern Device Management: More than Just Technology

Today, many companies are moving or seriously considering the move to Modern Device Management (or Modern Management) as their next step of their Digital Transformation Journey.  Most considering the move, have already completed their Windows 10 migrations and are looking for efficiencies to their deployment workflows.     Having said this,   I get asked on a daily…

Understanding OneNote Versions
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Understanding OneNote Versions

Microsoft OneNote was released to the public in 2003 so it has been around for a very long time… As of late a very common questions which there is a lot of confusion Why does Microsoft have multiple versions of OneNote and what are the differences? Microsoft OneNote is a note-taking program for free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration. It gathers…

Microsoft Office Support Lifecycle Explained
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Microsoft Office Support Lifecycle Explained

Microsoft Office is a widely used product suite which includes tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Publisher, Access, and OneNote. It has been around since 1988 and has gone through many versions, each of which has a specific support cycle with defined dates.    All versions of Microsoft Office products before Microsoft Office 2019…

Semi-Annual Channel(SAC) Targeted release will be retired
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Semi-Annual Channel(SAC) Targeted release will be retired

Yep – you heard correctly! No more Semi-Annual Channel Targeted (aka CB) or  Semi-Annual Channel Broad (aka CBB) releases! Although this is not a new topic (John Wilcox gave us a heads up back in May 2018)    the Semi-Annual Channel(SAC) Targeted release (formerly known as CB or Current Branch) will be fully retired after…

Microsoft Modern Desktop Deployment Guidance
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Microsoft Modern Desktop Deployment Guidance

Microsoft published a guidance document (and associated video series) to help customers migrate to the Modern Desktop. The Modern Desktop refers to Microsoft’s bundled product suite called Microsoft 365 which includes: Windows 10, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility & Security (See my Microsoft 365 Explained blog post ) Microsoft’s guidance includes 8 steps:

Webinar: 2018-11-29 Modern Provisioning
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Webinar: 2018-11-29 Modern Provisioning

Title:   Understanding Modern Provisioning Date Presented:  November 29, 2018 — 8:00a Abstract Content Today’s End User Computing environment has changed considerably in the past few years.   Modern OS, cloud-based management systems, end-user expectations, security, the blurring of work/personal lines have all radically changed the way corporate data and devices need to be managed. In this…

Windows 10 Migration: It’s All About the Apps
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Windows 10 Migration: It’s All About the Apps

Great article by my colleague at Dell EMC,  Colin Sainsbury     on   Application Testing and Management  in a Windows 10 world.   Preparing applications for migration is a multi-faceted challenge and with the introduction of Windows as a Service, it needs to be revisited for each Windows 10 version upgrade. The stages required to complete one…

Windows Autopilot Collecting Hash and More
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Windows Autopilot Collecting Hash and More

PowerShell script that uses WMI to retrieve properties needed by the Microsoft Store for Business to support Windows AutoPilot deployment. https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/Get-WindowsAutoPilotInfo/  Thank you  Michael Niehaus! For more  information see: Technet Blog Post Gathering Windows Autopilot hardware details from existing Devices Overview of Windows Autopilot | Microsoft Docs Deploy Windows 10 Enterprise for new devices with…

Microsoft Ignite 2018 EUC Related Announcements
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Microsoft Ignite 2018 EUC Related Announcements

From an end-user computing point of view, Microsoft Ignite 2018 did not disappoint this year.      Although Windows 10 was not the primary focus , deploying, managing and maintaining Windows devices using the entire Microsoft platform was definitely top of the billboard, and in particular  Microsoft 365. Many announcements were made around the Modern Workspace. …

Microsoft Managed Desktop Service
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Microsoft Managed Desktop Service

Today Microsoft officially announced a new service:    Microsoft Managed Desktop or MMD. Although it was known Microsoft was working on this,  no official word or announcement has been published until now. We believe that MMD will be an option that allows organizations to fundamentally shift how they think about and manage their IT. Through MMD,…

Windows 7 Extended Support Update Packages Pricing
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Windows 7 Extended Support Update Packages Pricing

Just a few of days ago (Sep 6, 2018)  Microsoft announced Windows 7 Extended Support Upgrade (ESU) where businesses can now pay to extend Windows 7 Security Updates Beyond January 14, 2020.  (See summary of announcement here ) Although pricing was not revealed,    the blog post announcement,  authored by Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for…

Microsoft announcement: WaaS and Windows 7

Microsoft announcement: WaaS and Windows 7

There was a very significant announcement that was made public today. Summary of announcement: Longer Windows 10 servicing for enterprises and educational institutions moving from 18 month cycle to  a 30 month cycle. (per version) Windows 7 Extended Security Updates:  Microsoft will offer paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) through January 2023. Not sure…

Microsoft 365 Versions Comparison
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Microsoft 365 Versions Comparison

I wanted to write something  about a question I get often asked: What is the pricing and the differences between the different versions of Microsoft 365.   Microsoft has a variety of productivity and security management offerings that small to medium-sized and large enterprise customers may consider when upgrading their desktop and device infrastructure, each bringing…

InfoBits – Windows 10 News You Can use Aug 2018
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InfoBits – Windows 10 News You Can use Aug 2018

onth – or so, I try to  find a short list on Windows 10 related topics which would be of  interest to you and specially your customers.     Please feel free to share below items with your peers and customers! Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices, however…

Microsoft Platform: Workspace Transformation

Microsoft Platform: Workspace Transformation

Workspace transformation is gaining  lot of momentum at the moment.   At its core,  it is about letting users access data and applications securely anywhere anytime.   Enabling users to quickly provision their devices is only part of the story.   Request applications so they can quickly securely access the  data without the large bureaucracy associated with IT…

Microsoft Platform: Workspace Transformation
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Microsoft Platform: Workspace Transformation

Workspace transformation is gaining  lot of momentum at the moment.   At its core,  it is about letting users access data and applications securely anywhere anytime.   Enabling users to quickly provision their devices is only part of the story.   Request applications so they can quickly securely access the  data without the large bureaucracy associated with IT…

Windows 10 and Application Modernization: MSIX Format
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Windows 10 and Application Modernization: MSIX Format

Lots of change in the EUC space these days! — The reason for this blog is a specific question I received : Customer is looking for application modernization services.  They would like their .exe apps converted to be able to work in the Windows Store for Business as a part of their AutoPilot/Intune project. Short…

Windows 10 Opportunity: 184M devices in 370 Working Days
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Windows 10 Opportunity: 184M devices in 370 Working Days

As of today, we sit at less than 18 calendar months from the end of Windows 7 Extended Support. A couple of weeks ago in the Microsoft Partner Conference in Vegas,   Microsoft provided some context to the opportunity ahead for partners by giving the numbers of installed Windows 7 devices around the world…   A summary of…

Getting to Windows 10: Take the Blue Pill or the Red Pill
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Getting to Windows 10: Take the Blue Pill or the Red Pill

I always start my Windows 10 conversations with the statement: There are two parts to any Windows 10 project: Getting to Windows 10. Maintaining Windows 10 This article is all about “Getting to Windows 10”. All of us have been to customers that have not yet officially started their Windows 10 projects or they are…

InfoBits: Windows 10 News You can Use June 2018
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InfoBits: Windows 10 News You can Use June 2018

Windows 7  End of Extended Support date: January 14, 2020 :      Days Remaining to migrate your PC fleet:     Total Calendar Days: 569 / Business Days: <395 Call to Action:  Ask your customers: How are you doing with your Windows 10 adoption ? Will you be fully migrated by the end of 2019? Effectively it is less than 18…

Windows 10 Generic Image / No Bloatware
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Windows 10 Generic Image / No Bloatware

With the popularity of Modern Device Provisioning using  Windows Autopilot or AirWatch, using a “Generic Image”  (Microsoft OS without OEM added-value software added) as the baseline OS is a very common practice. I have been asked multiple times if a generic image (ISO from Microsoft) contains any bloatware.  – The short answer is NO.   It…

Microsoft Extends Windows 10 v1511 EOS
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Microsoft Extends Windows 10 v1511 EOS

Late last night (Novermber 14),  Michael Niehaus posted a blog titled:  Progressing Windows as a Service  in which  informed the Windows 10 community that Microsoft will be extending the End of Support for Windows 10 v1511  until April 2018 (previously announced for Oct 1, 2017): To help some early enterprise adopters that are still finishing their transition…

InfoBits – Win10 news you can use October 2017
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InfoBits – Win10 news you can use October 2017

Every month, I try to to find a short list on Windows 10 related topics which would be of  interest to you and specially your customers.   Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices, however it also represents a big challenge for many customer.  We continue to visit…

InfoBits – Win10 News You can use September 2017
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InfoBits – Win10 News You can use September 2017

Below you will find a short list on Windows 10 related topics which would be of  interest to your customers.   Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices.  It also represents a big challenge for many customer. We can help them in this journey to Modern Device Management! …

Windows 10 version 1511 End of Support: : October 10, 2017
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Windows 10 version 1511 End of Support: : October 10, 2017

Windows 10 version 1511 will no longer receive security or quality updates after October 10, 2017. What this means? After October 10, 2017  Windows 10 version 1511 will no longer receive security or  quality updates! Why is this important?   Because many customer began to deploy Windows 10 and may have no plan to update these…

Walter Mossberg Retires on Charlie Rose
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Walter Mossberg Retires on Charlie Rose

Walter Mossberg ,  THE GO-TO technology columnist for many years, is retiring.      He announced his retirement  in early June 2017 and Charlie Rose interviewed him not only on his life as a journalist but they got to talk about the future.  Excellent conversation.   A truly accomplished and down-to-earth person.      Impeccable journey,…

NAS for Home
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NAS for Home

In today’s digital age, managing data has become an essential aspect of daily life. From storing personal files to backing up business-critical information, having a reliable and secure storage solution is paramount. Two popular options for data management are Network Attached Storage (NAS) and cloud storage. What is Network Attached Storage (NAS)? A NAS device…

Mastering Chaos – A Netflix Guide to Microservices

Mastering Chaos – A Netflix Guide to Microservices

What a great presentation by Josh Evans  I just found on YouTube.  He talks about the chaotic and vibrant world of microservices at Netflix. Although it was recorded in June 2016 it has a lot of excellent insights very current today. Great insight into the future (today) Microservice architecture is the future of development. No…

Windows 10 Resources List
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Windows 10 Resources List

I’ve been using these for a while, but posting here for as I am constantly updating them.  Hope these help! The Windows 10 from video sessions  I mentioned would be useful are (all from Microsoft Ignite 2016):  – Key Note by Brad Anderson:  The session name was:  “Protect & Manage Your Digital Transformation”                    (It is…

Application Compatibility Testing with Windows 10 and Windows-as-a-Service
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Application Compatibility Testing with Windows 10 and Windows-as-a-Service

Summary: Microsoft’s Windows 10 new delivery and update cycles will drive significant change in the current enterprise application compatibility testing and verification operational processes. These processes will need to be done on an ongoing basis as opposed to being done prior to large OS migration projects. Enterprises will need to quickly adjust to this new…

Tech Summit 2017:Latest Windows 10 Deployment Video
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Tech Summit 2017:Latest Windows 10 Deployment Video

If you have not seen the latest (January 27, 2017) Microsoft Tech Summit video from Michael Niehaus you are missing a lot ! Enhance Windows 10 deployment: What’s new with Windows 10 deployment? It is a wealth of information on current releases but also lots of insights on best practices as well! One particular item…

Application Compatibility Testing with Windows 10 and Windows-as-a-Service

Application Compatibility Testing with Windows 10 and Windows-as-a-Service

Summary:  Microsoft’s Windows 10 new delivery and update cycles will drive significant change in the current enterprise application compatibility testing and verification operational processes.   These processes will need to be done on an ongoing basis as opposed to being done prior to large OS migration projects. Enterprises will need to quickly adjust to this new…

The Value Proposition of a Platform: Microsoft Win10/Office365/EM+S
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The Value Proposition of a Platform: Microsoft Win10/Office365/EM+S

[ Update 20161004: I encourage you to watch Brad Anderson’s keynote session at Microsoft Ignite 2016 – Simply IMPRESSIVE!  ] As I have written before,  technology management has made an incredible shift over the past few years (maybe the last 3-5 years).    Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service are now the common conversations in most…

Brief History of DevOps

Brief History of DevOps

I just ran into a great summary of the History of DevOps by Damon Edwards. Very nice explanation he published back in Sep 17, 2012  (Very glad it is still available) It is cool he mentions Andrew  Shaffer, and his 2008 presentation called  “Agile Infrastructure”   — His talk can be seen in YouTube here With all of…

Windows 10 Version Feature Comparison

Windows 10 Version Feature Comparison

Good quick summary chart from Microsoft on the Windows 10 features  by version.. Windows 10 Enterprise will come with key features for enterprises, including Direct Access,  AppLocker, BranchCache, and Start Screen Control with Group Policy.  However, Windows 10 Pro also comes business-ready  features, like Domain Join, Bitlocker, Enterprise Mode Intenret Explorer, Assigned Access 8.1, and…