There are a number of events that may cause you to consider a technology refresh, including: lease expiration, regulatory requirements, cost-reduction initiatives, an outdated fleet that requires constant maintenance, or an infrastructure that can’t handle the demands of new technologies.
Whatever your reasons, advances in technology have turned the traditional IT environment upside-down. Refreshes have always been major undertakings that require careful planning and defined processes, but today’s environment introduces additional nuances to consider, including: virtualization, cloud computing, mobility and mobile devices, business agility, executive and employee expectations, and more.
In this post and its accompanying eBook, we offer tips on how to navigate technology refreshes that extend beyond the PC. Using our methodology, your company can ensure that the proper infrastructure is in place to support any new technologies, and that upgrades will meet both your current and future business needs.
Refresh Planning
Prior to jumping in and purchasing the latest computer models and software versions of your current fleet—or blindly investing in new technologies such as iPads or other tablets—take a step back, assess your current technology situation and discover how it can be improved. Then, base your refresh decisions on your business objectives, strategy, processes and needs.
By taking a holistic look at end users, the current technology fleet and business goals, you can make more informed purchasing decisions that meet your organization’s unique needs—and get the most for your investment.
Project Management
Once technology is purchased, expedite deployment by using images, or specific software profiles, for all of your end users based on their job descriptions and technology needs. Once built, these images can be configured onto PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets at a moment’s notice, streamlining the deployment process.
After systems are configured appropriately, stage and kit them so they include the required documentation, software programs and accessories. In doing so, you’ll ensure that all systems are out-of-the-box ready when shipped to your employees.
Strive to minimize disruptions while maximizing end-user uptime during the actual deployment. For example, consider deploying off hours or on weekends, instead of during the workday.
Finally, as your old technology equipment is collected, discard of it appropriately. First, destroy all data. Then, depending on whether you leased or purchased your technology, either return it to the lessor, or dispose, repurpose or remarket it.
Free PC Refresh eBook
Offering a 6-Step Process to Modern Refresh Success
If you’re planning for a PC refresh, I encourage you to download our free eBook, More than a PC Refresh. It walks through a proven, 6-step process—which we’ve updated to account for modern advances in the industry—that will help you achieve a successful transition and position your business for the future.
- Introduction: Why a “PC” Refresh Isn’t Enough
- Step 1: Technology Assessment
- Step 2: Technology Selection and Procurement
- Step 3: Imaging and Configuration
- Step 4: Staging and Kitting
- Step 5: Deployment
- Step 6: End-of-Life Services
And in addition to the steps listed above, you’ll also learn about IT as a differentiator, BYOD as a viable procurement model, how to enable an anyplace workspaceTM for your organization, and how to prepare end users for the changes they’ll see from the refresh.
Learn More: Click to download More than a PC Refresh now.
 | Ira Grossman, VP, Personal Systems Group, has more than 15 years of technology project management experience and is an expert in lifecycle management and mobile device management for the enterprise. Connect with Ira on LinkedIn. |
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