Six reasons why governments should upgrade to Windows 10
Since Microsoft released Windows 10 earlier this year, users have been implementing it in spades. To date, there have been more than 110 million activations of our new operating system, including 12 million business PCs, and we expect many more to follow with our recent first major update.
For government customers, in particular, Windows 10 includes significant advances that will help employees work far more productively, while protecting government systems from evolving cyber threats. So what exactly does Windows 10 have to offer? Consider the following key benefits:
- 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.
To learn more, please visit our Windows for Business website.
