Insight into Microsoft Office LTSC

Insight into Microsoft Office LTSC

The general recommendation for anyone who wants to know how they can manage Windows 10 updates is to use the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) as the default channel for servicing Windows 10 devices. In that case, devices receive two feature updates annually with the Semi-Annual Channel. In turn, these updates improve stability, performance, security, and user experience. As much as using the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) for managing Windows 10 updates is an option, Office LTSC is another solution.

What is Office LTSC?

Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) focuses on Windows 10 devices and use cases where features and functionality do not change with time. Office LTSC is applicable to air traffic control devices, such as medical systems like CAT scans and MRI machines, and industrial process controllers. These devices are similar in that they share characteristics of embedded systems.

That means that these devices’ design is for a particular task, and their development, testing, and certification precedes their use. The “upgrade” of such devices is by building and validating a new system. That entails switching the old device off and replacing it with a new, certified version. With these details in mind, LTSC’s design offers support for every release for ten years. As such, you do not expect functionality and features to change over the 10-year lifecycle of each LTSC release.

What is the Difference Between LTSC and The Semi-Annual Channel?

LTSC

A Windows 10 LTSC release does not contain Windows 10 components that may change over the release’s life. That is in line with LTSC’s commitment to no changes to functionality or features. The components, in this case, include those that require regular updates through the Microsoft Store, such as OneNote, Camera, Cortana, and other modern apps advancing with innovative improvements.

Microsoft Edge is the other component that does not require frequent updates after the implementation of LTSC. Microsoft Edge is a modern browser that keeps evolving to support the modern browser’s current web standards. Also, Internet Explorer is part of Windows 10 LTSC releases and has no changing feature set, but will continue getting security fixes for the life of any Windows 10 LTSC release.

Semi-Annual Channel

The updating of features for Windows 10 devices in the Semi-Annual Channel happens twice annually, with one taking place in spring and the other in the fall. The updates contain new services, features, and other important changes. After that, the release of patches or minor updates, security updates, and optimizations happens monthly.

Features of Microsoft Office LTSC

• A device-based “perpetual” license is part of the Office LTSC offering.
• You can use the tools for the standard version of Microsoft Office when deploying LTSC.
• Performance improvements across PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Excel as well as dark mode support for several apps.
• A fixed lifecycle policy.
• LOOKUP and Dynamic Arrays in Excel.
• Support for up to five years.
• Accessibility improvements.

Aspects to Consider Before Adopting the LTSC

Using the right criteria to drive strategic decisions regarding the use of LTSC and Windows 10 servicing options is paramount. For instance, you should not allow professional familiarity to supersede end-user impact and value. Remember that LTSC’s design is for use cases and devices where functionality and features will not change.

Additionally, LTSC provides a static Windows 10 feature set of 10 years of security servicing. Here are some of the aspects worth considering if you are planning to adopt the LTSC.

1. A Wide Range of Hardware Choice

Targeting and shipping new devices with the latest Windows 10 release lights up new hardware improvements and capabilities. For that reason, LTSC should offer you a wide range of hardware to choose from.

2. Silicon Support

It is worth mentioning that the time of the release of Office LTSC will support the currently released chipsets and processors. So, when you opt for LTSC, you cannot afford to overlook hardware. You also need to ensure that you have a long-term supply of service components and devices for the life of the period you expect to use the device.

In that case, a replacement version that supports the version you are running will be available if you need to replace the hardware your device is using after five years. Also, having a hardware solution that avails you the extended firmware/driver support that matches the LTSC’s lifecycle use of your device is advisable.

3. Stability 

You can access the latest performance and stability improvements if you use a Windows 10 version with the latest feature update.

4. New Peripheral Support

Most probably, the LTSC release you deploy may not support the new peripherals or hardware you need to use within your firm. The reason for this is that driver support and API models are not changing, and that is where new peripheral support comes in handy.

5. Security

The most secure release of Windows 10 offering the latest security functionality and capability is the version with the latest feature update installed.

6. Application Support

A growing gap in functionality and APIs exists between previous LTSC releases and the current Windows API in use by most devices, with every Semi-Annual Channel release coming after an LTSC release. Most ISVs want their applications to use the latest capabilities and innovation to improve user experience. That explains why many ISVs do not support Office LTSC editions for their apps.

That is the case with Office ProPlus. This service relies on the Semi-Annual Channel and Windows 10 feature updates to deliver the best user experience with current capabilities, and it does not support Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC releases.

Office LTSC Benefits

Below are some of the benefits that companies in South Florida can draw from LTSC.

• Access to Necessary Support – you will get up to ten years of support with every LTSC release.
• Improved Stability – LTSC will not affect other functions and features, even as you enjoy regular security updates, which will promote continuity of operations.
• Increased Reliability – an unreliable business system is a headache for most entrepreneurs, and it can affect daily activities in one way or another. Office LTSC’s dependability allows you to avoid unnecessary interruptions so you can achieve set objectives.

Conclusion

Using the LTSC for the right job will prove a worthwhile investment. So, securing support for your applications, understanding the factors worth considering, and securing support and hardware to align with the intended usage duration is not an option. That way, the LTSC will avail your firm, static, secure operation with full support and services for ten years. If you need more information on Office LTSC, contact us today!

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