Modern Device Deployment for a Hybrid World
Organizations commonly undertake multiple device deployment events over time, as they grow, scale, or adapt to changing technological landscapes and organizational needs, such as:- Cyclical refresh schedules that ensure end users have the best technology for their function
- New business realities (shifting to remote or hybrid work models)
- Implementation of new software or operating systems (such as Windows 11 Pro) that require or are optimized by the latest hardware capabilities
- Workforce scale-ups
- Mergers and acquisitions (standardizing equipment with fleet transitions)
In the past, most IT departments refreshed, standardized, and deployed new devices under one roof, using one-size-fits-all configurations. However, the pandemic, along with seismic shifts in technology, automation, mainstream work models, and increased user demands have largely changed that model.
In its place, new models have arisen. Hybrid work, more expensive cyber threats, increased regulatory standards, a widening array of devices, rising IT costs, and even advanced capabilities themselves have ushered in new and increasingly complex realities.
Device deployment processes of the past neither anticipated nor accounted for today’s complex realities. As a result, IT departments still depending on “old-school” processes are struggling to keep up with the demands of device deployment today—especially when it comes to large-scale device refreshes and workforce scale-ups.
Fortunately, new models have appeared in device deployment—models that offer more efficient, cost-effective, and secure solutions.
Device Deployment Practices and Risks
Back during the pandemic-induced “lift-and-shift” to remote work, IT departments did a heroic job of adjusting device deployment processes. They ramped up VPN licenses and capabilities, configured devices, and began shipping them from the office to end users’ homes. They even supplied detailed guides and virtual support to help users finish setting up devices on their own. No one was sure how long this mandated work-from-home paradigm would last.But after three and a half years, the dust appears to have settled. Hybrid work has emerged as a new work model for the modern age. It helps organizations reduce overhead costs, broaden talent pools, and offer flexibility to their workforces. And by all accounts, it’s here to stay.
However, the hybrid work model presents several headaches for IT departments still relying on older device deployment processes, including:
- Procuring devices (sometimes, due to supply chain issues, well in advance)
- Shipping devices to IT
- Storing devices
- Unboxing and provisioning devices for individual users (i.e., setting each one up in the network with necessary security protocols and enroll it into operating systems)
- Configuring each device with organization and user-specific access controls, permissions, and applications
- Shipping devices to remote end users
- Training end users
- Managing inventory, asset locations, users, configurations, and lifecycles
- Storing, disposing of, or otherwise offloading used devices
Older device deployment processes can quickly go from tedious to untenable—especially during large-scale workforce expansions or device refreshes. This can leave organizations vulnerable to a variety of risk factors. For example:
- Manual configurations naturally create opportunities for human error, which is responsible for 90% of all security breaches.3
- IT resources, already scarce and often stretched thin, are becoming so overburdened that many are now quitting their careers (not just their jobs). Business Insider reports, tech's “rise-and-grind era” may be coming to an end due to stress and burnout.4
- End users who experience botched, cumbersome, or slow deployments face potential downtime, lost productivity, and even delayed onboarding and team integration.
- Having IT resources spend hours upon hours unboxing, deploying devices, and managing inventory can incur enormous opportunity costs for higher-value activities, like digital transformation, innovation, and strategic direction.
All of these risks become especially pronounced once leaders learn how modern technology can mitigate them and allow organizations to move into more efficient, modern device deployment work models.
Modern Deployment Options for Today’s Environment
Perhaps the biggest developments in modern device deployment surround the zero touch methodology. Zero touch uses cloud technology and automated processes that allow IT teams to configure devices (computers, tablets, or smartphones) remotely, and then arrange for devices to ship directly from a distributor or OEM to end users. Zero touch also reduces the number of tedious deployment tasks as well as much of the risk from human error.How Connection Services Add Value to Zero-Touch Deployments
As devices age, they lose the capacity to make full use of newer security features and can eventually refuse to accept the installation of OS updates and security patches altogether, leaving security gaps ripe for breaching.Connection’s Windows Endpoint Deployment and Managed Services streamline large-scale deployment operations, bringing added efficiency, security, and savings for organizations of all types by:
- Ensuring customers have a solid infrastructure in place before deploying modern Windows 11 Pro devices.
- Leveraging cloud and on-prem tools
- Available deployment methods will depend on the organization’s readiness.
- Pre-provisioning and pre-configuring devices for multiple individual personas using Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopilot.
- Devices are ready for end users right out of the box, potentially saving each end user 25-45 minutes of downtime spent waiting for systems to install and self-configure. When multiplying the average savings in salary by hundreds or thousands (in the case of large device refreshments), the financial benefits to the organization become substantial.
- Tailoring configurations for multiple personas also reduces costs from unnecessary software licenses.
- Testing and verifying all configurations are correct
- Providing asset tagging, reduced packaging, kitting, and engraving services, depending on the needs of the customer
- Supporting lifecycle management with advanced exchange and asset disposal services that accelerate device refresh initiatives
Modern Device Deployment
The onset of the pandemic was a difficult, confusing time for everyone. Many organizations lacked the right infrastructure to manage devices and end users once they left the building.To help their organizations stay secure while continuing to grow, and keep up with modern technology, IT departments around the world stepped up and innovated temporary device deployment processes. Three years later, the concept of remote work is widespread, and hybrid work is flourishing. Today’s complexities require leaders to adopt the most modern, secure, and efficient device deployment processes and technology available.
By 2026, more than 80% of organizations will have consolidated endpoint management teams, tools, and operations into one centralized team that utilizes a single UEM platform from which both PCs and mobile devices are managed.5
Connection’s Windows Endpoint Deployment and Managed Services offer zero touch deployment PLUS added solutions that:
- Enhance security
- Improve productivity considerably
- Relieve over-burdened IT teams
All to empower IT, end users, and the organization to focus on core, mission-critical tasks. Which is exactly what productivity and growth depend on.
Next Steps
How can organizations harness the full potential of modern technologies for modern Windows 11 Pro device deployment? What operational models align best with contemporary organizational structures? How should leaders adapt their strategies for maximum ROI?We'll delve deeper into these topics in our comprehensive ebook on modern Windows 11 Pro device deployment technology, operations, and strategy. You’ll also find actionable insights and tips you won’t want to miss.
Unleash the Power of Windows 11 Pro Modern Device Deployment
Read our eBook and take a deep dive into insights from our deployment expertsZero-Touch in Action
Windows Autopilot, Microsoft's solution for zero-touch deployment, is a feature included with Windows 11 Pro6 that streamlines endpoint device deployment. Through Intune and Windows AutoPilot, IT can remotely define configuration profiles and applications for user types while the devices are still at the manufacturer or distributor.
This makes deployments more efficient, consistent, and secure for IT teams, end users, and the organization as a whole.
A study by Forrester, The Total Economic Impact™ Of Windows 11 Pro Devices1 found that leveraging modern deployment with Windows Autopilot saves customers up to $137 in deployment costs per device.
When scaling up workforces and refreshing large numbers of devices, this can amount to huge savings. Windows Autopilot sounds incredible, and it is. But it brings even more value with the right partner.
This makes deployments more efficient, consistent, and secure for IT teams, end users, and the organization as a whole.
A study by Forrester, The Total Economic Impact™ Of Windows 11 Pro Devices1 found that leveraging modern deployment with Windows Autopilot saves customers up to $137 in deployment costs per device.
When scaling up workforces and refreshing large numbers of devices, this can amount to huge savings. Windows Autopilot sounds incredible, and it is. But it brings even more value with the right partner.
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Learn more about our partner's Windows 11 Pro products and solutions
Windows Endpoint Deployment and Management
Modern Deployment, Modern Provisioning, and Cloud‑based Management
As businesses pivot to the cloud, and shift to stronger endpoints, many IT departments are left scrambling to find ways to support—and keep up with—all the changes required to modernize their infrastructure. Connection’s Windows Endpoint Deployment and Management Services are designed to help your organization create a foundation that can handle all your provisioning and management needs today and into the future.
Take Your Business to the Next Level
Are you looking for ways to boost your business’s protection, efficiency, and productivity? Sign up to learn key benefits and ways that upgrading to Windows 11 Pro devices can help your business address those challenges.1 Forrester Consulting, 2022, The Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 11 Pro Devices
2 Microsoft, 2023, Microsoft Surface Built to Bring Out Best of Windows 11
3 Xntric Techno Services Inc., 2023, How to Reduce Human Error in IT Operations with Automation
4 Business Insider, 2023, Tech workers are sick of the grind. Some are on the search for low-stress jobs
5 Gartner, 2023, Gartner Predicts 2023: Workplace Leaders Will Focus on DEX, ESG and IT Modernization
6 Microsoft support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025.
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