Equal time, equal tools: Measuring PC deployment time in multi-vendor environments

Investigating the experience of simultaneously deploying AMD and Intel processors in a Microsoft-managed environment Conclusion OS deployment and device management is complex at any scale and can limit IT’s focus on high-impact work. We conducted a suite of tests to explore whether OS deployment and system management becomes more complicated when overseeing a mixed-processor fleet. When we measured mixed-CPU PC deployment and management time and effort using two different Microsoft endpoint management toolkits, our experiences were comparable, regardless of processor. The deployment processes also took nearly the same amount of time within each approach, with slight variance between the required hands-on admin time across laptops being the only distinction. When we investigated the process of installing drivers as well as updating, wiping, and reimaging devices, we found that all four tasks required the same number of steps across all tested devices, confirming that administrators can expect a consistent management experience in those areas regardless of the processors in their device fleets. With an equivalent process to deploy, update, wipe, and reimage devices, and nearly the same amount of required hands-on time regardless of processor, our test results demonstrate that concerns about managing a mixed-processor fleet with two separate deployment processes can become a thing of the past. Consistent methods allow IT administrators to spend less time learning new processes and more time supporting your organizations’ growth through improved user support, robust security measures, and innovative technology projects.