Resilience has evolved from a mere concept to a strategic necessity in the contemporary business landscape. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that resilience cannot be an afterthought; it must be intricately woven into the very fabric of system design, security, and management. In response to this pressing need, Microsoft has unveiled the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI), a comprehensive effort aimed at embedding resilience and security directly into the Windows platform.
Ecosystem collaboration and learning with partners to evolve the Windows ecosystem
In September 2024, Microsoft convened the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit (WESES), where a diverse assembly of endpoint security vendors and global government representatives gathered to share insights and strategies for enhancing resilience and safeguarding mutual customers. This summit underscored the collective responsibility to bolster resilience through transparent communication about product functionality, update management, and disruption handling.
Since the summit, collaboration has intensified with Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) partners, focusing on feedback and iterative improvements to the Windows platform. The MVI 3.0 program now mandates partners to undertake specific actions aimed at enhancing the security and reliability of Windows. These requirements include rigorous testing of incident response protocols and adherence to safe deployment practices for Windows endpoint updates. Such measures are designed to minimize operational risk and ensure a stable, secure environment for enterprise customers.
Next month, Microsoft will initiate a private preview of the Windows endpoint security platform for select MVI partners. This new capability allows security solutions, such as antivirus and endpoint protection, to operate outside the Windows kernel, enhancing reliability and recovery processes while minimizing disruptions to Windows devices.
Insights from MVI partners highlight the collaborative spirit driving these advancements:
- Bitdefender: “Our collaboration with Microsoft is redefining security delivery for Windows users, creating a resilient architecture that enhances protection against evolving threats.”
- CrowdStrike: “The collaboration has led to significant improvements in platform resiliency and has strengthened the overall ecosystem.”
- ESET: “Our ongoing dialogue with Microsoft ensures that we deliver a stable and resilient operating system environment for our joint customers.”
- SentinelOne: “We appreciate the opportunity to shape changes that can drive better outcomes for our shared customers.”
- Trellix: “Our partnership with Microsoft continues to evolve, ensuring our products meet stringent requirements for operational resilience.”
- Trend Micro: “Our collaboration reflects a shared commitment to more resilient enterprise security.”
- WithSecure: “We are excited to leverage new capabilities to help our customers stay ahead of evolving threats.”
Actionable guidance to build organizational resilience: Introducing the Windows Resiliency Initiative e-book
In line with its commitment to fostering resilience, Microsoft has released the Windows Resiliency Initiative e-book. This resource serves as a guide for organizations seeking to understand foundational practices, strategies, and tools that can enhance their resilience and support a resilience-focused IT strategy.
Product innovation to support resiliency on the Windows platform
The WRI is set to introduce several innovative Windows products designed to assist organizations in building adaptable infrastructures while maintaining resilience. Here are some noteworthy capabilities to consider:
Now it’s easier than ever to navigate unexpected restarts and recover faster
Unexpected restarts can disrupt productivity and business continuity. To address this, Microsoft is streamlining the restart experience and introducing quick machine recovery (QMR) for devices that fail to restart successfully. The Windows 11 24H2 release has already improved crash dump collection, reducing downtime during unexpected restarts to approximately two seconds for most users.
Microsoft Connected Cache saves internet bandwidth
As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-native approaches to device management, managing internet bandwidth becomes crucial. Microsoft Connected Cache enhances bandwidth efficiency during Windows updates and application installations by caching content locally, thus minimizing the strain on network resources.
Introducing Universal Print anywhere: Print securely, flexibly and confidentially
Recognizing that organizational resilience extends to printing systems, Microsoft has introduced Universal Print anywhere. This feature enables users to securely release print jobs from any location to authorized printers, ensuring confidentiality and reducing waste.
Get updates without interruption, thanks to hotpatching
Hotpatch updates allow for the installation of critical Windows security updates without requiring a restart, ensuring workflow continuity. This feature is included with Windows Autopatch, simplifying the update process for organizations.
Windows 365 Reserve: Maintain business continuity with instant Cloud PC access
To mitigate the risks associated with device disruptions, Microsoft has announced Windows 365 Reserve. This offering provides secure access to a temporary, pre-configured Cloud PC, ensuring that users can maintain productivity even when their primary devices are unavailable.
Prepare for a digital future with resiliency as the foundation
As organizations navigate the complexities of the digital age, building resilience is not just advisable—it is essential. With the right strategies, best practices, and tools, businesses can enhance their ability to maintain operations in the face of disruptions. Microsoft remains committed to supporting organizations in their journey toward resilience, helping them prepare for uncertainty and emerge stronger from challenges.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and outlines Microsoft’s current product direction and plans. Product availability, licensing terms, and capabilities may vary by region and are subject to change. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
