Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2020. Read them in this 12th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
By Thomas Koll, CEO, Laplink
Efficiently Moving Active Directory Off-Prem to Azure Active Directory
With the end of Windows 7 support in January 2020, there is a lot of conversation about data and PC migration. Enterprises and consumers alike are now asking themselves, “What is the most efficient way to either upgrade my operating system or migrate to a new PC?” We all have immense amounts of data on our computers. In fact, we have so much that it’s almost impossible to identify and locate where every piece of data resides – especially when it comes to custom folders and settings. The highly desired “standard” PC in many organizations has been replaced by a growing sentiment to let users determine their own environment, applications and productivity tools in addition to the corporate standards.
In 2020, while the migration off of Windows 7 will slow down as Microsoft offers options for Windows 7 support and virtual Windows 7 desktops, many enterprises will move to “virtual” directory services in the Azure cloud abandoning their Active Directory on premise infrastructure while harmonizing their directory structure after years of ever increasing complex systems. Virtual desktops, on the other hand, will remain an exception despite strong offers from Microsoft and Amazon.
By utilizing PC migration software that automates various types of data migration including virtual desktops, traditional data migration and profile migration to Azure Active Directory, large organizations can ensure a cost-effective Windows 7 migration in 2020.
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About the Author
Thomas Koll joined Laplink in 2003. He is a former Chairman of the Board for Infowave, where he was involved in interfacing with the global business and financial communities. Thomas also served as Infowave’s Chief Executive Officer from February 2001 to April 2002. Prior to joining Infowave, Thomas was Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Network Solutions Group where he was responsible for Microsoft’s worldwide business with telecommunication companies. Thomas was instrumental in developing Microsoft’s vision for the communications industry and led the development of strategic partnerships in mobility, broadband and hosting. Prior to this, he was General Manager of Microsoft’s Dedicated System and also their Worldwide Business Planning and Strategy. Thomas holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Free University of Berlin and looks back at seven years of teaching in the field of International Politics at the Otto-Suhr-Institute.
