Microsoft has announced its new Cloud PC service where the operating system resides in Microsoft’s Cloud; securely streaming each user’s apps, data, and settings to personal or corporate devices, acting as a full Windows desktop PC in the cloud.
Microsoft is calling the new, simplified version of its Azure Virtual Desktop, a “new era of hybrid personal computing” because it “draws on the power of the cloud and the capabilities of the device”.
Work From Anywhere, On Any Device, Pick Up Where You Left Off
The new Windows 365 service enables the streaming of a full Windows desktop from the cloud. With the service, Windows 10 and 11 users can:
- Stream all their personalised applications, tools, data, and settings from the cloud across any device including a Mac, iPad, Linux device, or Android.
- Work from anywhere (e.g. a hotel room or a tablet from their car) and pick up where they left off because their individual PC in the cloud remains the same, even when switching devices.
Supports Business Apps
Windows 365 cloud service also supports business apps such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft is offering to stand by its promise of app compatibility with App Assure, a Microsoft service that helps customers with 150 or more users fix any app issues they might run into at no additional cost.
Ideal For Remote Working
The fact that users can experience their whole, individual Windows PC streamed to any device from the cloud for whenever they log on makes it ideal for remote working. As Microsoft points out, “we’re seeing a new world of work emerge. Organizations everywhere have transformed themselves through virtual processes and remote collaboration. And as people embrace hybrid work—with people returning to the office, continuing to work from home, or some mix of the two—things will be different all over again”.
Microsoft also points to the finding of its recent Work Trend Index as proof of the need for a cloud-based hybrid solution of this kind. The Index has boiled down a study of more than 30,000 people in 31 countries plus an analysis of trillions of productivity and labour signals across Microsoft 365 and LinkedIn to arrive at some key statistics and 7 trends. For example, the Work Trend Index found that 73 percent of workers now want flexible remote work options to stay, but 67 percent also want more in-person collaboration, post-pandemic.
Analytics and Watchdog Service
The 365 cloud service also has built-in analytics to make sure Cloud PC users can reach everything they need to be productive. The analytics can identify Cloud PC environments where a user’s performance needs aren’t met, and also give recommendations to enable upgrades for users at the touch of a button, saving time, simplifying problem-solving and boosting productivity.
Zero Trust Architecture
The Zero Trust Architecture satisfies security needs by storing and securing information in the cloud (not on the device) and using Multifactor authentication (MFA) to verify any login or access attempt to a Cloud PC through integration with Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).
Solves Some Old Problems
This hybrid system looks likely to give business greater flexibility and scalability. It will also help productivity and support innovation by making remote work and collaboration easier, tackling many hardware challenges (cost and maintenance), allowing faster problem solving (watchdog and diagnostics), and helping reduce security risks and threats. Microsoft is also keen to stress the simplicity of the service.
When?
Microsoft says that the new 365 cloud service will be “generally available later this calendar year”, although it looks set to launch for business users from August 2.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
The new Windows 365 cloud service sees Microsoft building upon its existing, Azure platform to try and create a hybrid service that should appeal to business users, particularly at a time where managing the challenges of flexible (hybrid) and remote working is key. This service also enables Microsoft to expand its subscription model and will appeal to businesses that are now ready to commit more to the cloud. The power, control, flexibility, simplicity, and security aspects of the service are appealing to businesses to manage computing needs and improve productivity in a changing environment.
