The Challenge: Streamlining for Windows 11 Migration
Background
A large local government authority faced the challenge of migrating 15,000 users to Windows 11. With an extensive portfolio of 2,400 applications, they needed a strategic approach to streamline their IT infrastructure and ensure a smooth transition.
Initial Obstacles
"Before engaging with Camwood, we were grappling with an overly complex application landscape," the IT Director explained. "Managing such a vast number of applications was not only resource-intensive but also posed significant risks for our Windows 11 migration project."
The Solution: Camwood's Comprehensive Application Lifecycle Management
Recognising the Need for Support
The authority realised they needed expert support when the scale of the migration became apparent. "We knew we couldn't handle this in-house without risking major disruptions to our services," the IT Director admitted.
Why Camwood?
"Camwood's 25 years of expertise in Application Lifecycle Management and their proven track record in Windows migrations made them the clear choice for us," the IT Director stated. "Their ability to work remotely and their FUSION Framework approach were significant advantages, given our operational constraints."
The Process: Audit, Rationalisation, and Testing
Comprehensive Application Portfolio Assessment
Leveraging their Application Lifecycle Management expertise, Camwood began with a comprehensive audit of the authority's application estate. "Their thorough approach in the discovery phase was impressive," the IT Manager noted. "They left no stone unturned in understanding our application landscape."
Remote Implementation and Windows Migration Preparation
Camwood implemented automated Application Compatibility Testing on the rationalised portfolio, aligning with their Windows Migration service. "The remote execution of discovery, packaging, and testing from Camwood's London office was seamless," the IT Manager added. "It allowed us to maintain our daily operations without disruption."
The Results: Transformation Beyond Applications
Dramatic Portfolio Optimisation
"Camwood achieved an 80% reduction in our application portfolio, bringing it down from 2,400 to just 480 applications," the IT Director revealed. "This far exceeded our expectations and significantly simplified our IT environment, truly going beyond applications."
Enhanced Migration Planning
"The jointly accessible Migration Planning tool Camwood provided was a game-changer," the IT Manager explained. "It empowered us to plan and prioritise user migration to Windows 11 effectively, showcasing Camwood's comprehensive approach to IT transformation."
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Future Plans
Key Takeaways
Reflecting on the experience, the IT Director shared, "We learned the importance of regular Application Lifecycle Management. The extent of our application bloat was eye-opening."
Future-Proofing IT Infrastructure
"With our streamlined application portfolio, we're now more agile and better prepared for future technological changes," the IT Director concluded. "We see Camwood as a long-term partner in maintaining our IT efficiency and driving innovation beyond applications."
Conclusion: A Success Story in IT Optimisation
Through Camwood's expertise in Application Lifecycle Management, Windows Migration, and their innovative FUSION Framework, this local government authority successfully prepared for their Windows 11 migration while achieving a dramatic 80% reduction in their application portfolio. The project not only simplified their IT landscape but also equipped them with tools and insights for more effective IT management in the future, demonstrating the power of Camwood's 'Beyond Applications' approach in driving sustainable IT transformation.
