Windows 10 Upgrade Plan for Tetra Shillings Accounting LLC
Prepared by:
[insert your name]
Scenario
You are a Solutions Architect I at Marqwise Dynamics Technology Consulting, a firm that provides services to corporate clients seeking help with getting the most from their IT systems and operations. Your current assignment is to provide a Windows 10 upgrade solution for Tetra Shillings Accounting LLC, a small accounting firm that has been the victim of several cybersecurity breaches, including a ransomware attack that resulted in the loss of critical information.
Most of the Tetra Shillings Accounting computer operating systems were found to be at least six months behind on patches and hot fixes, and the ransomware attack was the result of not keeping systems properly updated. The data that was compromised in the attack was not recoverable because the firm does not a proper backup and recovery process in place.
The firm’s computers are currently running Windows 8.1. A legacy accounting software package that plays a crucial role in the firm’s day-to-day business operations has prevented the firm from upgrading to Windows 10 because of compatibility issues. The firm has also been hesitant to keep systems patched and updated due to the compatibility issues, which severely impacted the firm’s business operations on several occasions.
The firm’s leaders realize they can no longer avoid or delay keeping systems updated, and they have already moved the accounting software application to a cloud solution, eliminating the operating system compatibility concerns. Leadership also understands that the firm has been negligent in its backup and recovery processes. Employees are expected to copy their work to the local network file share.
Since previous efforts to patch the system hampered business operations, you know you will have to show the firm’s leadership that the upgrade will have minimal effect on business operations.
Your supervisor at Marqwise, the solutions architect manager, has asked you to draft a formal plan to upgrade the client’s operating systems to Windows 10. Once she approves your plan, she will present it to the client.
Objective
Provide a summary of your recommendation of a specific version of Windows 10. Explain how your choice meets the business needs of Tetra Shillings Accounting.
The opportunity: Benefits of upgrading to Windows 10
Discuss the client’s current Windows 8 environment and the issues related to running an older version of the Windows operating system.
Based on what you know about the client, discuss at least three Windows 10 features that you believe will provide the most benefit to the organization’s computer security posture.
Upgrade plan
Recommend a version of Windows 10 for the upgrade. Explain the reason for your choice.
Which install method(s) will be used for the upgrade? Explain why.
Discuss at least two automated deployment options discussed in Lesson 1 that you think would be appropriate for the deployment. Include analysis of the pros and cons of each method.
How will you address concerns that the client has about how end users will be affected by the upgrade?
Strategy for keeping the operating system updated
Explain the importance of keeping systems updated. This should include benefits associated with performance and security. Referencing the firm’s past security breaches will help you articulate your reasoning.
Propose a strategy that will keep operating systems updated. Keep in mind that this is going to require some downtime for each workstation.
References
These sample citations use IEEE style. Ask your instructor for clarification on the style to be used. Ensure you use in-text citations in the body of your paper as appropriate.
[1] G. Lindsay, “Windows 10 Deployment Scenarios (Windows 10) – Windows Deployment,” Microsoft, 13-Aug-2020. [Online]. Available: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/windows-10-deployment-scenarios. [Accessed: 29-Oct-2020].
[2] E. Bott, “Windows 10 Update: The Complete Guide for Businesses of Every Size”, ZDNet, 25-Jun-2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-update-the-complete-guide/. [Accessed: 29-Oct-2020].
Client Specifications for Tetra Shillings Accounting
When developing your plan, keep in mind the following information about the client:
All desktops and laptops are currently running Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
About half of the laptops are less than a year old and will be retained for the upgrade.
All other laptops will be replaced with new hardware in time for the upgrade.
All desktop systems will be replaced with new laptops.
Your windows upgrade plan for Tetra Shillings Accounting should be based on Microsoft solutions and best practices and include the following points:
The advantages of upgrading to Windows 10, including at least three Windows 10 features that will provide the most benefit.
Recommendations for a version of Windows 10 for the upgrade and the install method(s) to be used.
At least two automated deployment options.
Plans to minimize disruptions to business operations.
A strategy that will keep operating systems updated.
Two IEEE references.
For this assignment, you are asked by your manager to develop a plan for upgrading the computers for a client from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. This will require you to review the business needs of the client so that you fully understand the requirements for the upgrade to be successful. For example, what is significant about the need for an upgrade to Windows 10? How will it benefit the client? Are there any concerns that the client has about the upgrade? How will you address them?
By documenting your choices and the overall recommendations in an effective background report, you are showing how you use your technical knowledge to convey your ideas to others in a professional setting. Your ability to express your findings using the right mix of technical detail is an important workplace skill.
The following evaluation criteria aligned to the competencies will be used to grade your assignment:
1.1.3: Present ideas in a clear, logical order appropriate to the task.
1.3.3: Integrate appropriate credible sources to illustrate and validate ideas.
1.4.2: Use vocabulary appropriate for the discipline, genre, and intended audience.
2.2.3: Explain the assumptions underlying viewpoints, solutions, or conclusions.
2.3.1: State conclusions or solutions clearly and precisely.
10.1.2: Gather project requirements to meet stakeholder needs.
10.1.3: Define the specifications of required technologies.
11.1.1: Explain appropriate preparation procedures.