How do you implement an effective end-to-end desktop transformation strategy that achieves all your technical and business objectives? That is the subject of this blog series as we explore the challenges, strategies, and best practices in enterprise desktop transformation.
This is the second blog in the series where we are going to explore a fully optimised approach to enterprise desktop transformation.
The Perfect Storm Recap
Before doing that, here is a quick recap of the first blog in the series where we looked at the current approach to desktop transformation in many enterprise organisations. We used the example of a Windows 11 migration project to demonstrate the significant number of tasks and projects that a Windows 11 migration depends on.
In summary, a Windows 11 migration project (or similar) can’t be successfully completed (and sometimes can’t even be started) until a number of other projects, tasks, and steps have been completed first. Examples include:
- Hardware refresh
- Data centre infrastructure upgrade
- Technology strategy development
- Capital investment decisions
- Device requirement assessment
- Virtual/physical split and VDI performance decisions
- Application packaging and testing
- Application delivery strategy decisions
- Application estate review
The conclusion is that a lot of large-scale desktop transformation projects fail to get off the ground, make slow progress, and/or cost more than originally planned not because of the project itself, but because of the tasks and projects it depends on.
Changing the Script
For the remainder of this blog, we are going to outline a perfect-world situation for large-scale digital transformation projects. In doing so, we understand the world isn’t perfect in IT or desktop transformation as there are many competing priorities, moving parts, and other considerations that come into play.
That said, the fully optimised approach outlined below is a good target to strive for as even implementing a percentage of it will significantly improve desktop transformation project success as well as reducing costs and improving productivity and UX.
Fully Optimised Approach to Desktop Transformation
One of the challenges with desktop transformation is that projects are often siloed with very little collaboration or coordination. Therefore, all projects that impact end users should be run under one overarching programme. This programme would be led by an executive or senior manager who develops and then drives the strategy for devices and applications from the start. This prevents situations where compromises have to be made because device or application decisions are not considered until deep into the project.
Each project within the overarching programme would have its own budget for products and resources, as well as its own implementation plan and timeline. However, each project would also have to adhere to the same set of rules and guidelines based on company targets.
One of those rules would be that each project should consider upstream and downstream dependencies when making decisions and developing implementation plans. Project managers should also be aware of the targets, deadlines, and resource issues in other projects, especially those with an interdependency.
And finally, go/no-go decisions on any project within the overarching programme should involve all project leads to ensure smooth project delivery and seamless support of users post-implementation.
Improving Desktop Transformation Project Delivery
There are many benefits to the fully optimised approach for desktop transformation projects as outlined above. There are also challenges that should be overcome to ensure the full range of benefits can be realised. We’ll explore those challenges and benefits, as well as the next steps you should take, in the third and final blog in this series.
