End of Support leaves deployed thin clients unprotected. Learn about available options.
Support for Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7) ended in October 2020. Thousands of “Thin Client” devices that came pre-installed with WES7 are now out of support and are no longer receiving security updates. Customers are seeking guidance on the available options and cost-effective upgrade choices.
We examine the available options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Option #1: Seek support from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the thin client devices:
OEMs can offer operating system upgrades to enable customers to continue using older hardware; however, most OEMs are not offering any upgrades. The OEM prefers retiring the older model thin client and replacing it with a brand-new unit that includes Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) 2019.
Option #1 Summary:
- Advantage: Easy process to buy a new device
- Disadvantage: Thin clients can be expensive, especially since new thin clients do not offer significant performance improvements
Option #2: Purchase a volume license upgrade for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC
Microsoft offers a Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC upgrade via the volume licensing channel for end-users to upgrade their devices. Available for purchase as Open Volume licenses from any authorized distributor, the upgrade (Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC Volume image) can easily be obtained. The upgrade license has a list price of $295, which is almost as expensive as buying an entire new thin client device.
Here is the part number with the list price:
| KW4-00190 | Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 SNGL Upgrade OLP NL | LIST $295.00 |
Option #2 Summary:
- Advantage: The purchase process is simple
- Disadvantage: The license costs as much as a new thin client
Option #3: Extend the Security Updates for WES7 via the ESU License Purchase
Microsoft now offers an option to extend the enterprise security updates (ESU) for Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7) annually, for a maximum of 3 years. This option allows the OEM to extend security protection while migrating to Windows 10. End customers who want to use this option will need to sign a Customer License Agreement (CLA) and become an indirect OEM. This option allows a simple extension of the security updates for existing devices. However, the ESU program is expensive and priced to encourage an OEM to upgrade to Windows 10 instead of extending updates for Windows 7. The first year, which runs from October 2020 to October 2021, requires purchasing 100 hours of support priced at $21,500, and the WES7 ESU licenses cost $50 per device. The pricing then doubles each year for a maximum of three years. Therefore, this option is an expensive proposition and is only a stopgap in lieu of a full device upgrade.
Option #3 Summary:
- Advantage: ESU ensures that existing field devices are protected
- Disadvantage: Expensive option requiring the mandatory purchase of 100 hours of support, with licensing costs that double every year
Option #4: Become an indirect OEM of the thin client and purchase OEM IoT LTSC Licenses
This upgrade path involves becoming an OEM and managing their thin client devices themselves for customers with major cost considerations. In this option, customers obtain a CLA with Microsoft at no cost and become an indirect OEM for appliances and thin clients. Customers then purchase a full OEM IoT license for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019 at a very affordable price compared to the volume license upgrade. However, the customer supports the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system functions on the device. With this option, installing and testing the new OS on the thin client can be performed at no cost until ready for a production license.
| MUT-00013-1P | Win 10 IoT Ent 2019 LTSC ESD OEI “HIGH END” ePKEA (Core i7, Core i9, Xeon) |
| MUU-00005-1P | Win 10 IoT Ent 2019 LTSC ESD OEI “VALUE” ePKEA (Core i3/i5/Some Celeron) |
| MUV-00005-1P | Win 10 IoT Ent 2019 LTSC ESD OEI “ENTRY” ePKEA (Atom/Some Celeron) |
Option #4 Summary:
- Advantage: Least expensive option
- Disadvantage: Customer supports the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise device
If this sounds like something that might work for you, contact us for pricing, and to start you on the agreement. For additional information or to discuss these options, contact us at msembedded@arrow.com.
