End-User Refresh Tips - Make IT Manageable

Editor's Notes

• #2: Hello! Welcome to ‘End-User Refresh Tips - Make IT Manageable,’ brought to you by Aventis Systems!
• #3: My name is Kyle Taylor, National Account Manager here, and I have Peter Miles with me who will give us some key recommendations for making an end-user technology refresh manageable. Peter Introduction (Kyle introduces Peter) Peter is a Technical Sales Engineer here at Aventis Systems and serves as a trusted advisor to IT professionals, troubleshooting problems and removing any technical barriers that may arise. Welcome Peter! Peter Thank you Kyle...
• #4: In our two previous webinars we addressed things to consider for laptop and desktop fleet refreshes from a hardware standpoint. Now, we are going to give you some project management insight for a smooth deployment. Kyle Interjection Sounds great, Peter! Where do we start?
• #5: First and foremost, make a plan. Document each step in the plan and ensure all team members involved with the refresh deployment have reviewed and sign off on it.
• #6: Timing is an important project management element to start with. Consider your budget flow, company-wide projects that could be affected by user downtime, and of course, software end-of-life dates to ensure systems are updated in time.
• #7: Once timing is decided, the next step in your planning process should be end-user segmentation. Segmenting end-users will determine their technology requirements. For example, what software needs do they have for their specific roles? Roles such as graphic designers, managing directors, and sales representatives will have great variations in their software, computing power, and storage needs. Beyond technical requirements, end-user segmentation will also help you take a systematic approach during deployment. For instance, you could approach the refresh starting with executive officers and working your way down the hierarchy to junior professionals. Or you could organize your deployment by departments. This may allow you to sidestep major department project interference.
• #8: Another key element of your planning is to allow time for backing up all data before implementing your refresh. Interruptions or power outages during a refresh could wreak havoc if you forgot to backup local user data before beginning their refresh.
• #9: Additionally, try to plan for the unexpected. You may discover overlooked system requirements once deployment begins, purchased hardware may arrive with faulty parts, or time required for certain end-users may be underestimated, just to name a few. Make sure to cushion time and cost estimations slightly to help ease the blow if a project hurdle pops up. Kyle Interjection Those are great tips for helping you stay organized and get started. Do you have any other suggestions?
• #10: Sure, Kyle. Project hours are another important element to keep in mind when planning a PC refresh. When it comes to Operating System and Application software, make sure to consider whether your typical hardware refresh cycle will require additional software upgrades down the road. For instance, upgrading from Windows Server 2003 to Server 2012 would be a single task for your team versus upgrading to Server 2008 R2 now then later having schedule another task to upgrade to Server 2012. Microsoft Office applications is another key example. Upgrading to Office 2013 rather than Office 2007 or 2010 would be smarter from a task perspective to prevent another software upgrade before your next hardware refresh.
• #11: Going with that train of thought you need to be sure that the hardware you are purchasing will support both existing applications as well an anything you may be adding in the future. Just as with avoiding multiple software upgrades, it is also important to make sure you have the correct hardware that will last awhile between upgrades. This can be done by taking advantage of hardware compatibility lists for your line of business software, and by checking the system requirements for the software you use. Doing so will allow you to be confident that your hardware has the power and capabilities it needs to ensure its longevity in your environment. Kyle Interjection Those are all great points, Peter. What if an IT department needs help to successfully implement a company-wide PC refresh?
• #12: I’m glad you asked Kyle. It is not uncommon for IT personnel resources to be limited when it comes to deployment. Outsourcing the deployment may be a viable and cost-effective option for many companies to ensure in-house IT staff are available for imperative day-to-day needs. If full deployment assistance is not needed, third party vendors can also provide key guidance during the refresh planning process. Always thoroughly research multiple vendors before selecting your partner. And request case studies to understand the vendor’s past deployment successes. Kyle Interjection Thanks for these helpful tips, Peter! I know I feel more at ease about upcoming pc fleet refreshes. Peter - Aventis Systems = One-Stop Shop Great!
• #13: Don’t forget, Aventis Systems can address your end-user refresh needs from hardware to software to deployment services. Take a look at our Personal Computing Specials which are updated monthly & save up to 50%!
• #14: Also, read up on our Advanced IT Services portfolio, designed with the most pressing needs of small and midsize businesses in mind.
• #15: We hope you enjoyed this final webinar in our series with PC fleet refresh tips! You can find the whole series and more on our Webinars page.
• #16: Visit AventisSystems.com or check us out on Facebook and Twitter @AventisSystems for IT solutions and resources.
• #17: Thank you for watching!