Migrating to Windows 10
With Windows 7 support ended many companies are upgrading to Windows 10. If you’re not, you really should be considering it.
Is it simple?
No. It is not as simple as switching off your laptop with Windows 7 one day, migrating to Windows 10 and logging back on with a shiny new logo and sleek looking operating system the next.
Windows 10 has FIFTY MILLION lines of code – 25% more than in Windows 7, so just because you have logged in without issue does not mean that your existing applications will continue to work.
The new Windows 10 operating system has undoubtedly changed in size and complexity, but has this caused something to stop working along the way? Has the upgrade impacted core or customised functionality within your applications? Has the upgrade affected how Windows can integrate with external applications such as pdf generation, printing, Outlook or other Office products?
This question is further complicated when we consider the Evergreen nature of Windows 10. Microsoft now pushes fixes and updates out on a much more regular basis. Whilst, in theory, this ensures the best possible operating system, it further impacts the risk of applications becoming unstable.
What to consider
- Devices in scope What physical devices are in scope for testing, for example, laptops, desktops or mobile devices
- Connectivity considerations Are devices and applications accessed whilst connected to a company network, using public wi-fi or disconnected from the internet (or a combination of all)?
- Application builds Are all applications delivered in a ‘Gold Build’; are specific applications downloaded by the user or department requests?
- Applications in scope What business-critical applications need to be validated?
- Application functionality What essential functions need to be validated for the applications in question?
- Localisation considerations Are there any specific applications used by a single region which need to be validated?
- Due to Evergreen IT, the operating system update path is much more frequent A solution, therefore, needs to be considered which can provide regular validation
How we can help
We have a proven and trusted track record supporting Windows 10 system enterprise wide migrations for multiple organisations across different sectors. We provide a comprehensive range of migration testing solutions including strategic test consultancy, functional and non-functional testing.
We bring in-depth, sector-specific knowledge of the common technology platforms, applications and integration requirements providing you with strategic advice on your technical challenges and your future roadmap. We are also aware of the common problems typically encountered with Windows 10 upgrades in terms of application crashing or functional step-outs.
As well as functional and non-functional testing we also utilise our automation expertise to deliver robust, long term solutions to tackle the Evergreen nature of Windows 10 – this reduces the need for continuous manual validation whenever a patch is deployed.
Our experienced technical team provides you with the expertise to deliver solutions ensuring your upgrade is fit-for-purpose. Our Tenology approach typically follows these steps:
- Discovering – Developing a common understanding to understand the context, logistics, risks, priorities and scope of the programme
- Defining – Agreeing on the approach, what we intend to do and what the expected benefits are
- Planning – Breaking down the activities, defining a schedule, identifying the team and timing
- Preparing – Putting everything in place for successful delivery by preparing data, environments, tools, reporting and test scripts etc
- Delivering – Execution of the project work, logging and managing defects, mitigating risk and reporting
- Refining – Continually assessing and adjusting by applying lessons learnt
- Sustaining – Maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders, managing teamwork and numbers
- Informing – Reporting on progress against time, quality, cost and any issues or blockers
