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Windows 365 Cloud PC: How It Works
January 24, 2022
July 24, 2023
Anyone who has worked with a computer in the last 36 years has most likely encountered at least one, if not several versions of Microsoft Windows. The new Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC is generating significant demand.
Windows 365 Cloud PC stands to improve the experience of digital nomads and the hybrid workplace. This Microsoft article takes a look at the major changes that have sparked renewed excitement in the beloved operating system.
Launched in 1985, Windows has remained the trusted standard in PC operating systems due to its years of usage in business and enterprise environments around the world.
Sure, Microsoft has made what some might deem to be some “harrowing,” or at the very least “annoying,” mistakes in the ghosts of Windows past. (Windows Vista and the first touch-screen styling of Windows 8 come to mind - where did that Start button go?!?)
But from those stumbles and miscalculations has arisen a veritable phoenix in Windows 365 Cloud PC, flying what Microsoft deems, “the full Windows experience” straight into the cloud, or rather the Cloud PC.
Windows 365 Cloud PC is basically a streaming version of Windows, complete with a virtual, personalized desktop. The biggest advantage is Windows 365 Cloud PC login from any device, use your favorite Windows apps like Excel and Powerpoint from anywhere, and pick up exactly where you left off.
And while companies like Google have already tapped into the niche of SaaS apps, the Windows adaptation is no copy-cat move. Windows 365 offers major advantages in what they are referring to as a completely new personal computing category, specifically designed for hybrid work environments.
Windows 365 provides a full PC-like experience but runs on the cloud. There is also the option to upgrade or downgrade memory and storage based on the requirements. And, organizations can set up Windows 365 with the best security settings for the environment in a few clicks!
Windows 365 is available to be purchased in two major packages. They are:
The major difference between these two offerings is that the business configuration is designed for 300 or fewer licenses without requiring any additional Microsoft licenses.
The enterprise configuration is designed for larger organizations that want to manage their new Cloud PCs in addition to their existing Microsoft 365 licenses using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
The biggest advantage is Windows 365 Cloud PC login from any device, use your favorite Windows apps like Excel and Powerpoint from anywhere, and pick up exactly where you left off.
Windows 365 is built on the Azure Virtual Desktop, but simplifies the virtualization experience. The Azure desktop is a full VDI or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, often used by enterprise companies to create virtual machines for employees to access from any location.
This remote desktop may include more than just Microsoft applications - basically whatever is installed on a company’s physical computers. Azure’s capabilities include:
While Windows may be running on the Azure virtual desktop, you don’t need Azure to purchase and use Windows 365 in the Microsoft cloud.
Windows 365 offers the full Windows experience including:
The biggest advantage is that anyone, from developers and industrial designers to accountants and interns, has Windows 365 Cloud PC login credentials from any device, can use their favorite Windows apps like Excel and Powerpoint from anywhere, and can pick up exactly where they left off.
Although Windows 365 is designed with simplicity and a streamlined user-experience in mind, deciding on which licensing package to purchase may become a bit tricky.
Choosing which version to purchase depends on:
Microsoft offers per user, per month pricing for both the business and enterprise editions, with further customization options for each path. They do offer the ability to reap discounts by using existing eligible licenses, but knowing what you already have in place is imperative.
Engaging with a Microsoft Gold Cloud Productivity Partner can help leverage cloud offerings to best fit your needs and maximize your investment. This type of expertise in a value added reseller can help you purchase Microsoft 365 in a strategic way, for significant cost savings.
Quadbridge is a Microsoft Gold Cloud Productivity Partner providing seamless cloud migrations, readiness assessments, data backup and recovery services. Contact us today for a personalized quote to get started with Windows 365 Cloud PC.
Client profile
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Employees: 25-50
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