Westpac is embarking on a substantial IT upgrade project to optimize its corporate technology environment. The primary focus of this initiative is the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Enterprise. Windows 11 offers advanced administrative features that align with the bank’s evolving work environment, particularly in the context of hybrid working conditions.
This transition is a significant step for Westpac as it now has approximately 20,000 employees, or half of its workforce of over 40,000, regularly working from home.
Upgrading 4,000 corporate devices each week
In terms of scale and speed, Westpac is making impressive progress. The bank is upgrading a remarkable 4,000 corporate devices each week, demonstrating its commitment to efficiently modernize its technology infrastructure. To ensure a smooth transition, Westpac is leveraging Microsoft’s App Assure service to promptly resolve any compatibility issues with its corporate applications.
Furthermore, Westpac has adopted Microsoft Edge as its default browser, with an emphasis on running legacy applications in IE mode on Edge. The bank has also embraced Bing as its primary search engine, reflecting its dedication to innovation and optimization.
Bi-annual updates instead of the previous annual schedule
In terms of administrative efficiency, Westpac is utilizing Windows Autopatch to automate updates across its devices. This automation tool is proving invaluable for keeping up with updates to device drivers across the bank’s diverse mix of models and vendors. Additionally, major feature updates now require significantly less time per machine, reduced from 90 minutes to just 25 minutes. This efficiency enhancement enables Westpac to implement bi-annual updates instead of the previous annual schedule.
This extensive upgrade initiative aligns with Westpac’s strategic partnership with Microsoft, which includes a five-year Azure deal. It underscores the bank’s commitment to embracing cloud technologies and enhancing its digital infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its workforce and customers.
