Threshold 2: Windows 10 is now ready for enterprise-wide deployment
Early this morning, Terry Myerson announced the release of Windows 10’s first major update, internally code-named Threshold 2, to all user, on PCs and tablets, with official word of Xbox and select mobile devices slated to receiving the update soon.
In the update on the official Windows Blog, Terry Myerson went on record stating that “...we have reached the point in the platform’s maturity where we can confidently recommend Windows 10 deployment to whole organizations...”.
Alongside the collaborative effort of Windows Insiders, major companies, such as PGA Tour, Hendrick Motorsports, Virgin Atlantic, NESTLE and Daimler, have tested the platform, and provided feedback towards the release of Windows 10’s first major update.
The other unspoken truth about this update, is that Microsoft is putting significant effort in pushing performance past the “threshold” (the pun is most definitely intended) of Windows 7, a tough one to beat, as it’s still considered a workhorse operating system that’s hard to give up, for those still getting used to the new interface and features that come with Windows 10.
Improvements on user experience
According to Myerson, Windows 10 now boots 30% quicker than Windows 7, and this is an important point of comparison. Consumers who have not yet made the switch to Windows 10, want a premium experience when upgrading to something completely new, which includes a system-wide performance boost.
Cortana’s handwriting recognition has also improved, with the virtual assistant now able to recognize handwritten input, and automatically parse text into live data, such as phone numbers, addresses, and set reminders. This information will also be used to keep track of events, through the building of predictive data, in a similar way as Google cards.
Microsoft Edge has been upgraded with improved security features, and the ability to get a live preview of another tab, without leaving the current one, simply by hovering any open tab, similarly to what happens when hovering an active program’s icon in the taskbar.
One nice feature in Microsoft Edge is an in-browser notification system that let consumers know about special offers and coupons from local retailers locations.
Windows Update for Business
At last, Windows Update for Business is live for organizations running Windows 10 Enterprise.and Windows 10 Pro editions. The free service allows IT personnel to schedule deployment of updates to groups of devices, making the updating process for each system within an organization, more efficient, without hindering workflow.
Windows Store for Business
Users who have upgraded or purchased Windows 10 Pro edition, as well as Windows 10 Enterprise users, will also have access to the new Windows Store for Business, which allows to search, deploy and manage apps across Windows 10 devices. IT administrators have the option of customizing access to the Windows Store, by allowing access to all apps, a restricted group of business apps, on certain devices, or by providing the ability to connect to a management solutions providing specific apps.
Mobile Device Management
This new update bring MDM to enterprise users. Organizations can now manage all Windows 10 devices running within the infrastructure, and enable enterprise features access quickly and securely. By this token, all devices within the organization, from phones to tablets, PCs and even IoT systems, can be managed, and upgraded. Apps and features on all devices, can also be managed easily and efficiently through the advanced features provided by Windows Store for Business and Azure Active Directory Join.
Security features
A number of security enhancements have been included in this update, featuring Credential Guard, a hardware-based virtualized environment designed to store login information.
Device Guard is another enhancement for Windows 10 array of security features, which blocks unauthorized installation, by using Trusted Boot.
Other upgrades include enhancements to Windows Hello and Windows Defender.
Enterprise data protection
While this feature is not yet available, it is in the works, and coming soon, to Insiders, and later on enterprise customers. Data protection allows to selectively separate company data from consumer files and folders. Through the use of Bitlocker encryption, company data can be kept secure, by enacting special access permissions.
Disabling telemetry
Today’s update also includes the option for Enterprise customers to disable all telemetry tracking in Windows 10.