This checklist helps you figure out if your organisation is ready to make the most of AI at the edge.
It's a quick, practical way to spot gaps, get clear on what’s needed and take the next step with confidence.
This checklist helps you figure out if your organisation is ready to make the most of AI at the edge.
It's a quick, practical way to spot gaps, get clear on what’s needed and take the next step with confidence.
Keep an eye on your inbox as we’ve sent the checklist straight to you. It’s full of practical pointers to help you assess where you’re at and what’s next.
Datacom’s Intelligent Devices Practice Lead Padrick Goodwin answers some common questions about migrating to Windows 11.
A: Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. Devices must have a TPM 2.0 chipset which makes them far more secure. Early planning helps identify devices that need upgrades or replacements to meet these standards. Those that are under three years old will transition fine. Those that are older will have to be replaced.
Datacom is talking to customers about a two-phase approach. Phase one involves understanding their environment and finding those devices that can’t be upgraded. We do provide a report, and a lot of value-add such as a buyback on those devices. Phase two involves planning and testing the upgrade on a small sample of devices. At the end we recommend how to deploy.
A: No installed version of Microsoft 365 apps or Office that your business is running (including LTSC) will be supported on Windows 10 after 14 October 2025. There is no opportunity to purchase extended support for installed Microsoft 365 apps, including standalone versions of Office.
What can you do to be prepared? Take an inventory of your current devices and get a better understanding of how many devices you have that need to be refreshed to run Windows 11 to reduce security risks.
A: Several of the Australian Essential 8 cybersecurity strategies will be impacted when Windows 10 reaches end of support (EOS) on 14 October 2025. The patch application requirements and patch operating systems keeping your applications patched with the latest security updates are the key areas impacted by this change. If you don’t move to Windows 11, when Windows 10 reaches EOS, your business will immediately see its maturity level for patch applications drop to zero as it will no longer be possible to patch Office. You could then be in breach of mandatory or regulatory requirements. To achieve higher maturity in Essential 8, your business must migrate to Windows 11 to stay compliant and protected.
A: Significantly more. The TPM 2.0 chipset gives every device security features through biometrics and security certificates, making it much harder for attackers to access any information. Upgrading your security is a necessity, like putting new tyres on your car. You don’t want to be driving on bald tyres.
A: If you don’t upgrade, the old tyres will still function but it’s extremely dangerous to drive on bald tyres, especially once you hit higher speeds. That’s why it’s important to stay updated for safety and performance.
A: Windows 11 ensures compatibility around future software and hardware developments, especially in AI, which is moving extremely fast. To begin with it allows organisations to use Copilot+ PCs and AI at the Edge. Looking under the hood, there are two versions of Windows 11. One version supports traditional devices which can run Copilot, the cloud-based version of AI which is Copilot. Another version of Windows 11 supports Copilot+ PCs and AI at the Edge. Copilot should not be confused with Copilot+ PCs, which is newer and completely different. It allows you to run AI locally on your device as opposed to having to go out to the cloud to do it. Devices running Copilot+ PCs need a different type of CPU called an ARM processor (which is what is in your phone) as opposed to an x86 processors. ARM processors completely change the brain of the machine, resulting in significantly better battery life. I have a Copilot+ PCs laptop and get eight hours of battery and there’s no way I would be able to get that on an x86 machine. The end users don’t really need to know this stuff, but the CTO needs to take this into account when planning and making a case to the executive team. So, this part isn’t about Windows 11 per se, it’s a hardware play, but Windows 11 allows you to use these new AI developments and future advances.
A: Not initially but AI is developing so quickly you need to plan for what your needs will be in two years, not what they are now.
A: Ultimately there will be benefits for every type of role, but some of the roles that will initially reap the biggest benefits and notice the biggest change are those that need high computational power, advanced AI capabilities, and enhanced mobility. Business leaders and strategists can utilise AI in data-driven decision making, strategic planning and forecasting. The improved battery life and performance will also make life easier for executives who travel and work remotely. Other professions that will benefit are content creators and designers especially in graphic design and video editing, sales and marketing teams, engineers and architects, data scientists and analysts, and IT professionals and developers. In two years’ time, what we now call advanced AI capability will be standard, so making the shift to Windows 11 ensures your organisation won’t be left behind.
