Artificial Intelligence

How SMBs Can Build an AI-Ready Endpoint Strategy

Defining workloads and understanding demand can help small businesses plan for the role of artificial intelligence in their endpoint devices.

Teta Alim

Teta Alim is the managing editor of HealthTech. Teta previously worked as a digital journalist in Washington, D.C.

While most small business leaders are more familiar with generative artificial intelligence tools accessed in the cloud via a subscription service, a number of larger firms have been steadily adding AI-enabled endpoint devices to their fleet.

Earlier this year, IDC research found that 27% of organizations have already deployed AI PCs, 33% are piloting them, and 21% plan on deploying them in the next 12 months. And with Windows 10 support ending last fall, it’s no wonder why companies are reviewing whether AI-ready endpoint devices would be a better fit as they migrate to Windows 11.

“I think a lot of corporations are determining what the ROI and the total cost of ownership are when they do look to refresh,” Rex Stover, senior business development manager at AMD, told BizTech in June. “As they’re educated and starting to see more of the efficiency that’s gained with the latest AI features and workloads, that will lead to more awareness on, ‘Maybe we should refresh now.’”

Small businesses that are re-evaluating the devices their employees rely on should build out a clear AI-ready endpoint strategy that understands the users and their workflows.

Click the banner below to learn more about simplifying IT configuration and integration.

bt-priorities-smlbiz-animated-2024-desktop

bt-priorities-smlbiz-animated-2024-mobile

Windows 11 Readiness vs. AI Readiness

Although Windows 11 migration and Copilot adoption may be influencing the conversation around endpoint devices, it’s important not to conflate the two. A device can be appropriate for Windows 11 without being ready to tackle the next level of AI-powered work experiences.

SMBs will need to consider the demands of memory, storage, endpoint performance and local AI processing on their operations. As CDW experts write, “For IT leaders, the question is no longer just which devices need to be replaced. It is whether the endpoint environment is ready to support the way people will work next.”

An AI-Ready Endpoint Strategy Fit for Small Businesses

Rather than undertaking endpoint modernization just to get the latest devices, the goal must be to match what a device can do to real business needs, roles and workflows. Then, have a scalable plan for deployment, lifecycle support and management.

“In today’s AI-enabled workplace, the PC’s role is expanding. It is not only a tool for accessing cloud services, but also an active participant in delivering them — processing workloads locally, securing sensitive interactions and shaping how employees experience AI in the moment,” according to one Microsoft blog.

Here's what CDW's guide suggests:

Segment users by role and workflow. “Look beyond job titles to understand how different groups actually work.” Consider collaboration and meeting demands, expectations for Copilot use, mobility and connectivity, and data sensitivity and security requirements.
Define endpoint tiers. “Match each user group to the level of performance, manageability and AI readiness they need. Some users may need dependable Windows 11-ready devices for standard productivity. Others may need AI-ready endpoints with stronger memory, processing and local AI capabilities.” Consider baseline Windows 11 requirements, local AI processing needs, budget and refresh priorities, and user experience expectations.
Plan for the next 24 to 36 months. “Endpoint decisions made today should support the way users will work across the full device lifecycle.” Consider application and OS updates, warranty and support needs, and scalability across the fleet.

With these steps as a foundation, IT leaders can better prioritize investments, support AI adoption and standardize devices with more confidence. Device refreshes offer the opportunity for businesses to rethink long-term value, productivity and security, and to prepare for the future.

Westend61/Getty Images