Microsoft has announced a new Cloud Service called Windows 365 Cloud PC, which marks the beginning of a new era taking Cloud Computing to a whole new level. With Windows 365, Microsoft is taking Operating System to the cloud, thereby streaming full Windows experience, including the Apps, Data, and settings to their users and their devices.
With a remote work model in place in the post-pandemic era, many of the IT Admins have faced challenges and struggled to get their organization environment compliant with Application and patch Deployments. With the Hybrid model expected to be the future, Organizations and businesses expect much more flexibility and security for their employees with ease of use, and Windows 365 does just that.
With Windows 365, Microsoft has created a new category called Cloud PC, a hybrid personal computing model that has both the power of the cloud and capabilities of a device to provide users with full Windows experience of either Windows 10 or Windows 11 (when available).
“With Windows 365, we’re creating a new category: the Cloud PC. Just like applications were brought to the cloud with SaaS, we are now bringing the operating system to the cloud, providing organizations with greater flexibility and a secure way to empower their workforce to be more productive and connected, regardless of location.”
Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft on Windows 365 during the event
Benefits of Windows 365
Platform Independent:
You can log in from any device and stream your Windows Cloud PC. The Cloud PC service provides an instant on-boot Service that lets you stream all your profile data from the cloud to your device irrespective of the platform like Linux, Android, Mac, or iPad with the same experience. You can switch to different devices and start again where you left off as your Cloud PC remains in the same state.
Ease of Logistics
Managing Logistics and procuring hardware is a humungous task and time-consuming process for all Organizations. with the Cloud PC service, these things will become much easier. You can also manage seasonal workers like freelancers or contractors who come in and go whenever there is a requirement in the organization without any logistical challenges and security issues.
Compatibility
Microsoft promises application compatibility with a Service called App Assure, which helps customers with more than 150 users troubleshoot any application-related issues they might run into at Zero Cost. Along with that, it also supports business apps like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365, etc.
Security
Built on the principles of Zero Trust Architecture, Windows 365 is secure. Information is secured and stored in the cloud. All disks running on the cloud PC are encrypted, and the network traffic data while the stored data is encrypted at rest.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) can be used for secured logins, and with Microsoft Endpoint Manager, you can use conditional access and MFA as an additional security layer.
Simplicity
The life of IT admins becomes much easier. They can easily manage and deploy PCs on-demand, just like the physical PCs. No prior Virtualization is required. With Windows 365, setting up an organization with Cloud PCs is just a click away. Admins can also manage software deployments and updates with ease.
Versatility
IT admins will be able to scale up or down the PCs as and when needed with the choice of their Operating System( windows 10/11) and hardware. They can also categorize user groups by departments like IT, R&D, Tax, Insurance, etc., to assign Cloud PCs with higher computing abilities.
To Conclude, Windows 365 will be available from 2nd August 2021 to all organizations.
Resources
- Get started with Windows 365
- What is Windows 365 Cloud PC ?
- Azure Virtual Desktop Vs Windows 365 Cloud PC?
- Cloud PC Workforce Scenarios
- Intune integration with Windows 365 Cloud PC