PC asset management - solutions
PC asset migration
SysDesk provides a simple yet comprehensive solution for the migration of some or all of an organization’s PCs for both software only (OS and/or applications) and full hardware/software replacement. The modules recommended for migration are: SysInvent, SysAudit, SysInstall, SysPackage, SysPatch, SysConsole, SysCopy, SysLicense, SysAsset, SysQuery.
The migration process is initiated and managed by using the workflow capabilities provided to establish user requirements, schedules/resources and communications with all stakeholders. Once this is done the process can be completed in two steps:
- Step one: Take an inventory and complete an audit of PC resources. These can be realized very quickly and provides exact detail on the hardware and software configuration of each device on the network. This helps prioritize which computers need replacement by identifying the most obsolete. The software audit delivers information on which software is actually used. This is valuable for both optimizing the migration process and reducing costs.
- Step two: Following the pre-established schedule, deploy the planned upgrades on each device for either software only, or full hardware/software replacement.
A software only upgrade, without replacement of the computer, includes installation of the operating system and application software updates while preserving all data and user preferences, i.e. My Favorites. The data files are not modified. This method does not require manipulation of files. The installation on each computer takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the software configuration and may be done in parallel or executed realized remotely (if activated by Wake On Lan).
A complete hardware/software replacement requires backup and restore of the data files. The installation takes about an hour and cannot be done in parallel. This process involves close planning and collaboration with end users and is greatly facilitated by the workflow and planning methodology included with SysDesk. In fact, with SysDesk users are able to drive the process by establishing the migration Schedule to suit their business needs and scheduling the technical resources as required. The SiNETiS solution makes migration less disruptive to end users and saves many hours for both end users and PC administrators. For example, when a new PC arrives using SysCopy, the IT staff can backup all end user data from the old PC to a server, while the users continue to work on their old PCs. When the new PC is ready to be deployed, again using SysCopy, either the user or the IT staff updates the new PC with any changes made during the time the new PC was being set up. This approach can easily save an hour or more per end user per migration, and is much less disruptive to business operations than other more cumbersome approaches.
In all cases, the SysDesk process is independent of the hardware configuration, within limits of the drivers installed. With the ability to take a complete inventory, drivers can be taken into account in advance. Nevertheless, a missing driver will not cause an installation problem; the installation will continue and a missing driver can be installed later if necessary.
SysDesk takes the pain out of the migration process as it provides all the tools and workflow required to get the job done on a continuous basis. Users benefit as they gain control over the process and are assured they have the business tools required when they are needed. Beleaguered PC staffs benefit from increased productivity as they are relieved of non productive integration tasks and able to use their time to support the migration.