The Windows 10 Insider and Office Insider programs are again subject to changes. On Windows, rings will become channels, so it will be adapted to the Microsoft Edge Chromium Browser. This will also be the case for Microsoft teams. Microsoft Office already had channels, but the names and some other details will change.
WaaS
The abbreviation WaaS stands for Windows as a Service. This is the new lifecycle idea that Microsoft has used to align its development for Windows 10. In a nutshell, there is only Windows 10 remaining, and not Windows 11 in a few years.
Strategies for Windows as a Service – A Process-Oriented Perspective
I am often asked about the right strategy for “Windows as a Service”. But is there the right way? The short answer is no. It depends as so often on the circumstances, the requirements of the customer and the other customer-specific circumstances. In this article, I would like to point out different ways to the subject of Windows as a Service (WaaS). You will also get tips on what to consider when searching for your way.
What is important is that Windows as a Service is not a project, it is a process. And the challenge is to develop the process for your company in such a way that it works performant but covers all contingencies. This doesn’t just include the question if you want to skip releases.
Changes at Windows 10 as a Service
Microsoft is changing its upgrade strategy, this change affects the semi-annual feature upgrades. The first steps in this direction have already been a bit earlier, in 2018 Microsoft has announced the fall release to provide 30 months of support. This also makes sense under the new strategy.
Along with the further step, elimination of the “Semi-Annual Channel-Targeted (SAC-T)”. The “Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)” and the “Semi-Annual Channel-Targeted (SAC-T)” had inherited the two branches “Current Branch (CB)” and the “Current Branch for Business (CCB)” and were their replacements.
News about Windows Analytics: Upgrade Readiness / Desktop Analytics
Microsoft goes new ways with Windows Analytics Upgrade Readiness, it is planned to discontinue the service by 31.01.2020. But there is a successor: “Desktop Analytics”. In July the preview for this service was announced, for Germany, this service is still only available in the preview. But there are some pitfalls and disadvantages for some customers, unfortunately.
At the moment these are all just public reflections and preview versions, as time will tell.
