Windows to Mac Migration: A Case Study in Seamless Transition
This white paper delves into the successful migration of BWM Global, a prominent supplier of premium promotional products and services to professional sports teams and corporate America, from a Windows-based IT infrastructure to a Mac centric environment. BWM Global encountered challenges due to slow hardware, outdated operating systems, and platform inconsistencies. The migration to a Mac based business, enhance productivity, improve security, and provide a more intuitive user experience. This case study presents the strategic planning, execution, and positive outcomes of their transition to macOS, showcasing the advantages of Apple’s ecosystem for enterprise environments.
Windows to Mac Migration
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are continually seeking ways to optimize their IT operations and empower their employees with the best tools available. For many years, Windows dominated BWM Global’s IT infrastructure. However, with the increasing sophistication of macOS and its growing appeal among businesses, BWM Global explored and settled on the advantages of a Mac-centric ecosystem. This document explores the journey of BWM Global as they embraced this shift, highlighting the key drivers behind their decision and the measurable improvements they experienced.
The Challenge: Why BWM Global Chose to Switch
BWM Global had been operating on a Windows PC infrastructure for over 10 years. While initially meeting their needs, several critical issues began to emerge, impacting their efficiency and overall business performance. These challenges included:
- Ancient and Slow Hardware Performance: Users were struggling with “ancient” computers. These outdated machines hampered productivity. The resolution was a complete hardware upgrade to new iMacs, MacBook Pros and Mac minis, providing modern processing power and performance.
- Outdated and Unsupported Operating Systems: The team at BWM Global was using an outdated operating system along with major discrepancies in versions. Some were up-to-date, while other were not. This limited software compatibility and access to modern features. Upgrading their machines meant switching to newer operating systems provided better performance, security and user experience.
- Outdated Office Productivity Software: In addition to creative software, the team was not using up-to-date versions of the Microsoft Office Suite. This led to compatibility and feature issues. The upgrade plan explicitly included installing the latest version of Microsoft Office, ensuring the team had current tools for administrative and office tasks.
- Platform Inconsistency Within a Team: At BWM Global, with some employees running Windows only software, the use of Parallels to run some Windows-only software made the transition smooth.
These factors collectively prompted a change at BWM Global. Along with the lower total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the hardware, the Mac emerged as a strong contender due to its reputation for security, performance, and ease of transition.
The Solution: Implementing a Windows to Mac Environment
The transition to a Mac environment was a comprehensive project that involved several key phases, expertly managed by Monge IT Consulting, Inc.
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning
This initial phase involved a thorough analysis of BWM Global’s existing IT infrastructure, software dependencies, and user requirements. A detailed migration plan was developed, addressing:
- Software Compatibility: Identifying and testing all critical business applications for macOS compatibility or finding suitable alternatives.
- Hardware Selection: Choosing appropriate Mac models (e.g., MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini) based on user roles and performance needs.
- Data Migration Strategy: Developing a secure and efficient plan for transferring user data from Windows machines to Macs.
- User Training: Designing a training program to familiarize employees with macOS and new applications.
- Pilot Program: Implementing a small-scale pilot to test the migration process and gather initial feedback to better prepare for a larger roll out.
Phase 2: Deployment and Integration
The deployment phase involved the systematic rollout of new Mac hardware and the migration of user data. Key activities included:
- Device Provisioning: Setting up and configuring new Macs with necessary software and security policies using Mosyle for their MDM, Malwarebytes ThreatDown for their EDR, and cloud-based backup solutions to protect their data.
- Data Transfer: Utilizing direct transfer over the LAN, along with migration tools built-in to the Mac to move user files and settings.
- Network Integration: Ensuring seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. This originally included a local server, which was later transitioned to cloud based file storage.
- Application Deployment: Installing and configuring all required applications on the new Mac devices is handled during device enrollment. All new computers and existing have the latest versions of software installed ensuring consistency across the organization.
Phase 3: Post-Migration Support and Optimization
Following the initial deployment, continuous support and optimization were crucial to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of the new environment.
- Help Desk Support: Providing dedicated support channels for users to address any issues or questions. BWM Global is a support plan client – all support and assistance is included.
- Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of each Mac to identify, resolve and prevent any bottlenecks that may happen.
- Security Audits: Regularly conducting security testing to ensure compliance and protection against potential threats.
- User Feedback Collection: Continuous feedback from the entire BWM Global team to identify areas for further improvement to make the transition as smooth as possible.
The Results: Measurable Benefits of the Mac Migration
The migration to macOS yielded significant positive outcomes for BWM Global, including fewer IT issues arising, and reducing the overall cost of ownership.
Enhanced Security
- Improved Data Protection: The macOS file system is modern and stable. Losing files due to corruption is a rare occurance. If corruption or accidental deletion does happen, we include backup of local files up to the cloud via Backblaze with our support plan.
- Malware Protection: The combination of built-in to the OS protection of XProtect along with third party security tools provided by Malwarebytes Threatdown, enhance the protection of company and personal data from malicious threats.
- Improved Web Privacy: Privacy while browsing is enhanced with the Macs built-in browser Safari. Safari blocks third-party cookies from tracking you by default, prevents web extensions from seeing your browsing by default, and fights tracking with machine learning to protect the team’s and the organization’s privacy.
- Enhanced Web Protection: Not only are the devices protected while on the local network via the network firewall, each computer is protected with enhanced web protection via Threatdown by Malwarebytes.
Increased Productivity
- Improved User Experience: The transition from Windows to Mac was an overall smooth experience. There was training provided directly after the transition, as well as ongoing support.
- Streamlined Workflows: With the entire team on the same OS and software versions, opportunities for self internal help amongst the team greatly improved. This integrated well with also having an immediate and trusted source for support.
- Cross-Platform File Issues: As a PC user in a mixed-platform office, ongoing email attachment problems would occur. When forwarding emails with attachments to Mac users, the files would often arrive empty or corrupted. Issues like this are now a thing of the past.
Simplified Management
- Centralized Device Management: Security, updates, and software installation are all handled identically on all systems. This allows for system parity across the entire company, reducing IT support requests and allowing team members to focus on the tasks they need to complete.
- Reduced IT Overhead: Originally, IT tasks were handled between an on staff team member and an outside Windows consultant. Now all IT is handled by Monge IT Consulting, Inc., simplifying the entire IT process and freeing the staff member to focus on the growth of BWM Global.
Employee Satisfaction
- Higher Morale: Quotes from the BWM Global team and its leadership provide proven success…
- “We are very fortunate to have come across you as a partner”
- “… very happy with her Mac set-up! Thank you for all you do!
- “My job has become a lot easier thanks to you”
- “Thanks again for your time today and all you do to help things run smoothly around BWM!”
The case of BWM Global serves as a compelling testament to the benefits of a Windows to a Mac migration for businesses seeking to enhance security, boost productivity, and improve employee satisfaction. By strategically planning and executing their transition, BWM Global successfully overcame their previous IT challenges and positioned themselves for future growth and innovation. This case study demonstrates that with the right approach, a Windows to Mac migration can be a seamless and highly rewarding endeavor for any organization.
About Monge IT Consulting, Inc.
You chose Apple devices for your business because of their sleek design, ease of use, and overall quality. But when they need upgrades, support troubleshooting, or security, you need a team of qualified professionals with experience in Apple-specific technologies — not an IT generalist with PC-only background.
Trust our team of Apple experts to ensure your small business Apple devices operate effectively, enhance productivity, and keep your data secure.
Contact Information for Windows to Mac Migration
For more information about this case study or to discuss your organization’s IT needs, please contact:
Monge IT Consulting, Inc.
(224) 280-0926
[email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/macitpros/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacSupport/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mongeit.consulting
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/macitpros
About BWM Global
BWM Global is a leading supplier of premium and promotional products and services to Professional Sports teams and Corporate America. For over 20 years, BWM Global and its experienced team of professionals have been dedicated to providing powerful, unique and cost effective merchandise-based branding solutions.
Contact Information
To discuss your team or organization’s promotional product needs, please contact:
BWM Global
https://www.bwmglobal.com
(847) 785-1355
[email protected]
