Microsoft launches Windows 365

Working from home has shaped and accelerated digital technology in unexpected ways. So, it was no surprise to many when Microsoft announced its latest service at the Inspire conference on July 14th. Microsoft will launch Windows 365 on August 2nd for businesses to purchase. With the ability to turn any device into a personalized digital operating system, Windows 365 will change where and how people work forever, providing a new way to be productive with ease and flexibility.

What is Windows 365?

Windows 365 is Microsoft’s answer to the shifting landscape of hybrid work, but what is it exactly? Short answer: it’s using your PC in the cloud. A virtual desktop that can be used just like a physical computer, users will now be able to access their desktop applications, use tools, or change settings virtually across multiple devices from anywhere. This type of streaming, or desktop-as-a-service, is already offered by some well-known organizations like Amazon, Citrix, and VMware. What sets Windows 365 will be the ease and simplicity of deployment and use, along with its pricing structure.

There will be two versions of Windows 365, Business and Enterprise, with their set pricing with customizable specs. Each individual Cloud PC can start with a single CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage or go all the way up to eight CPUs, 32 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. Pricing will be based on a per user per month model, contrary to other pricing models of similar DaaS services which are priced based on consumption.

What Businesses Can Expect from Windows 365?

Cost Savings

The new Windows 365 service will change the way businesses operate digitally and fiscally. With the two available versions, organizations can scale up or down as needed without spending money on purchasing new hardware or personal devices for employees. Businesses can assign Cloud PCs to employees in a matter of minutes, an appealing feature for those working with remote staff or temporary labor.
With just a few clicks, setting up new employees will take half the time, and once they are set up users can begin, stop, or pick up from where they left off on different devices.

Improved Security

For many businesses, the biggest challenge has been how to keep company data secure when remote employees work in locations over insecure networks. With Windows 365, company data no longer has to be stored on physical hardware. Leveraging the Zero Trust structure, Windows 365 stores data in the cloud with multi-factor authentication verifying log-in attempts. Automatic updates mean users receive updated security settings for their cloud
environment.

There is still a lot to uncover with Microsoft’s new Windows 365 service. If you are interested in learning more, head over to our Windows 365 FAQs we’ve compiled, or contact us today to speak to someone on our team.