Client Profile
The client is a multinational electricity and gas utility company operating primarily in the US and the UK. In the UK, the company serves a population of 18 million, while in the US, it provides services to approximately 3.3 million customers. They are committed to delivering electricity and gas safely and reliably, while driving initiatives for a cleaner, greener energy future.
Challenges
- End of Life (EOL) Risk: Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, requiring an urgent transition to Windows 11.
- Large-Scale Transition: Migration of 294 pools while ensuring uninterrupted business operations.
- Compatibility Concerns: 2 pools (Containing legacy applications) identified as not compatible with Windows 11.
- Resource Constraints: Managing a complex transition across multiple locations while maintaining service reliability.
- Security & Compliance: Ensuring all systems meet the latest security and regulatory requirements.
Ongoing Migration Status:
- 50 pools migrated
- 46 pools decommissioned
- 41 pools in progress
- 152 pools yet to start
- 3 pools on hold
- 500+ users migrated so far
Anunta’s Solution
Anunta has implemented a structured and efficient approach to migration, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum optimization.
The solution is built on three key pillars:
i) Strategic Pool Categorization
To enhance efficiency and streamline the migration process, Anunta has categorized virtual desktop pools into two distinct types:
- Persistent Pools: These are assigned to users who require personalized desktops with saved settings and dedicated resources.
- Non-Persistent Pools: These are stateless desktops where user configurations are reset after each session, ideal for standardized use cases.
This segmentation enables a more structured and manageable migration strategy, ensuring that each category is handled with the right approach.
ii) Phased Migration Approach
Anunta adopted a phased approach to migration, prioritizing the non-persistent pools before moving to the Persistent pools.
- Phase 1: Non-Persistent Pool Migration – Since Profile redirection are in place for non-persistent pools, they were migrated first, reducing complexity and ensuring quick adoption.
- Phase 2: Persistent Pool Migration – This phase, currently in progress, requires meticulous planning to preserve user settings and applications.
This structured sequencing minimizes risk, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures a seamless transition for end users.
iii) Timely Execution
The migration project follows a well-defined timeline to ensure completion within the set timeframe:
- Project Initiation: The migration process began in May 2024, setting the groundwork for a smooth transition.
- Prioritization & Acceleration: In October 2024, the project was prioritized to accelerate execution and maintain efficiency.
- Expected Completion: The entire migration is scheduled for completion by October 2025, ensuring a seamless and timely transition.
Key Benefits
With Anunta’s structured migration strategy, the client is set to experience a seamless transition to Windows 11 while enhancing security, compliance, and operational efficiency across its global operations.
- 100% Compliance Readiness: Ensures continuous Microsoft support and adherence to security standards post-Windows 10 EOL.
- 500+ Users Migrated So Far: Enabled with an enhanced and modern Windows 11 desktop experience.
- Efficient Management of 294 Pools: Optimized approach ensuring smooth migration and minimal disruption across all virtual desktop pools.
- Enhanced Security: Implementation of advanced Windows 11 security features for robust protection against modern cyber threats.
- Performance Improvement up to 30%: Anticipated faster boot times, reduced latency, and improved overall system efficiency.
- Increased Productivity & Collaboration: Leveraging Windows 11 features like virtual desktops, snap layouts, and Microsoft Teams to enhance user experience and collaboration.
- Optimized Resource Utilization: Improved memory management and more efficient allocation of system resources
