Windows as a Service Brief from WinHec 2016

We are quickly approaching the first anniversary of the Windows 10 release on 29 July 2015.

Microsoft is currently building the next major update to the operating system, referred to as the Anniversary Update, and it is expected to be made available to all Windows 10 users in/around that one year anniversary in July.

One of the most challenging aspects of Windows 10 for many was grasping the concept of Windows as a Service (WaaS).

Over the years with Windows we have been so used to terms like Beta, Release Candidate and Release to Manufacturing in the build up to the final release of a new operating system that it was hard to find the right words to describe the initial release of Windows 10.

Now we have terms like Current Branch, Current Branch for Business and Long Term Servicing Branch to describe the various builds/versions of Windows 10. Yes, there are still the unique SKUs such as Windows 10 Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education and even Windows 10 Mobile but it is an entirely new approach in how they are all maintained.

After nearly a year many of you have had the chance to learn even more about the cycle of updates for Windows 10 and how to keep your organization on the branch that works best for you and your companies needs.

However, just like the updating of Windows 10 with its major updates such as the upcoming Anniversary Edition, the way WaaS works is adjusted to deliver the best possible experience to admins, IT Pros and end users.

Well, here is your chance to get up to speed on the latest aspects of WaaS with this WinHec 2016 briefing (direct download link) by Senior Program Manager Chris Riggs from Microsoft. For those who might be unfamiliar with WinHec it is the annual Windows Hardware Engineering Conference where Microsoft briefs OEMs on Windows and other Microsoft software related information to assist them in planning their hardware product lines.

The 21 slide briefing for WaaS covers building, deploying and servicing Windows and covers the timeline Microsoft uses to test updates, collect feedback, implement that feedback and then turn around that information in the form of updates for the operating system.

The briefing also provides the differences between the Current Branch for Business and Long Term Servicing Branch, software and hardware compatibility and how their consumer approach to Windows 10 has impacted their commercial channels.

You will also find recommendations on how your own company can implement a program for evaluating, piloting and eventually deploying/using Windows 10 and its updates.

In the long run this is a good time investment for you or your staff and will increase your overall understanding of Windows as a Service.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

----------

Looking for an awesome, no-nonsense technical conference for IT Pros, Devs, and Devops? Check out IT/Dev Connections!