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Datacom Achieves Key Microsoft Status As Windows 11 Deadline Looms

Datacom achieves rare Microsoft Windows 11 migration partner status, and aims to be the default partner for this critical upcoming OS refresh

Written By

Matthew Sainsbury

Sep 3, 2024

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The impending end of support date for Windows 10 in a little over a year from now is a major opportunity for the channel, and Australia’s Datacom has achieved a significant advantage in the local market.

Datacom has become one of just 21 partners globally to achieve Microsoft Strategic Refresh Initiative (SRI) partner status, with very few of those located in the Southern Hemisphere.

This partner status positions it as one of the leading supports for migrating to Windows 11 for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand customers. While Windows 11 brings with it a host of benefits — most significantly advanced AI capabilities — it will also require substantial hardware refreshes and new investment in technology to take full advantage of.

At a time when budgets are stretched and CIOs face many competing priorities for IT spend, this upgrade could prove particularly prickly for some.

It is for this reason that Mike Fuller, Datacom Managing Director, Australia, recommends that organizations start planning the transition now.

“Business continuity is key,” Fuller said in an interview with Channel Insider. “Using this time to effectively plan and manage infrastructure change reduces the risk of business disruption. For some businesses, there will be Windows 11 compatible hardware to acquire, which is especially critical for businesses with large fleets of devices that need assurance in their supply chain.”

Fuller said that Datacom was selected as the SRI partner to Microsoft for the Windows upgrade due to its extensive network of offices across A/NZ, as well as its capabilities across both private and public enterprises.

He said that the upgrade is going to be a substantial one, which offers possibilities to users but also introduces risk without being properly planned for. “This is going to be a necessary change for CIOs and IT decision makers to plan for, as we’re seeing one of the most significant leaps forward between OS versions ever,” he said.

“We’re encouraging organizations to start talking to us now so we can help guide them through our process of assessment, planning, development and deployment. This framework ensures they can properly scope their migration – identifying the right devices for all their teams and scheduling the migration for a time that works best for their business and employees.”

Fuller also noted that there will also be the issue of custom software and applications for some, which will need to also be planned for at the same time as the hardware upgrade.

“It’s again in the best interest of businesses to start the upgrade process now so that bespoke software needs can be explored during the assessment and planning stages,” he said.

Last year, a report from Datacom found that A/NZ customers were also in desperate need of support with cloud and cyber security. Larger channel organizations like Datacom aim to be a “one-stop partner” to these customers, and continue to build the capabilities to assist them across all of these critical areas of technology transformation.

Datacom also recently expanded its footprint in Canberra amid plans to further capitalize on new government opportunities.

Matthew Sainsbury

Matthew is a Sydney-based multi-disciplinary journalist that has covered IT for 15 years. . In particular, he covers B2B IT and other channel topics in the APAC region. In addition to Channel Insider, Matthew’s work has been published on ARN, where he previously served as the editor, as well as CRN and AFR. On the side, Matthew is an award-winning arts and entertainment critic and author, and he also participates on the judging panel for the Australian IT Journalism Awards.

Datacom Achieves Key Microsoft Status As Windows 11 Deadline Looms

Matthew Sainsbury

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