Virtualization and remote PCs are nothing new, and yet the IT channel has been buzzing with anticipation following Microsoft’s announcement about the launch of Windows 365. Could this be the next cloud revolution? Say hello to the new and improved desktop-as-a-service (DaaS)!
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Optimized for a remote workforce
Windows 365 takes the operating system to the Microsoft Cloud, securely streaming the full Windows experience to personal or corporate devices. Dubbed Cloud PC (Microsoft-speak for virtual machines), this new approach to everyday computing couldn’t come at a more opportune time.
As a new world of work emerges, hybrid workforce arrangements are becoming the new norm—and with them, hybrid work needs. What was acceptable back in 2019 won’t cut it today. The user experience is now more important than ever for attracting and retaining talent as well as empowering organizations of all sizes to meet the challenges of a hybrid workforce.
With Windows 365, users are able to stream all their personalized applications, tools, data and settings from the cloud across any device including Mac, iOS, Linux and Android. The Cloud PC draws on the power of the cloud and the capabilities of the device to provide a powerful, simple and secure Windows experience. Windows 365 will work on any modern web browser or through Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app.
The concept of an everywhere OS opens up new scenarios for users across various industries and work schedules. Full-time employees will have access to the same environment whether they’re in the office, typing on a laptop in a hotel room or working from their tablet in a local diner. Seasonal workers can ramp compute capabilities up and down according to the needs of the business, allowing the organization to scale for busy periods without the complicated logistical and security challenges of issuing new hardware. Businesses will also be able to create Cloud PCs within minutes and assign them to employees without frustrating delays, which could be appealing for many businesses hiring remote workers that need to securely access a corporate network.
Addressing the challenges of modern IT
With the introduction of Windows 365, Microsoft promises a virtualization experience unlike any other we’ve seen before—one based on simplicity. Windows 365 is built on Azure Virtual Desktop, handling all the details for you. The processing power of the Cloud PC is scalable, and its performance is easy to monitor for the best user experience.
You can choose the size of the Cloud PC that best meets your needs with per user per month pricing. Organizations have two edition options: Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise.
As all businesses now operate in the most complex cybersecurity environment we’ve ever seen, Windows 365 solves today’ security challenges by design, storing and securing information in the cloud and leveraging multifactor authentication. This complete Zero Trust architecture is complemented by the principle of least privileged access. In other words, all the best practices are in place for business owners to sleep soundly at night.
So where do you, the Microsoft partner, come in?
Windows 365 creates new opportunities for partners of all types across the Microsoft ecosystem to deliver new Windows experiences from the cloud. Organizations that wanted to try virtualization for various reasons but could not—maybe it was too costly, too complex or they didn’t have the expertise in house to do it—will be looking to Microsoft partners and managed service providers (MSPs) for help.
MSPs have an opportunity to integrate Windows 365 into their portfolio of services. This is a unique chance to showcase your value by hand-holding your clients as they go through this work revolution, helping them make the most out of their entire Windows estate. Windows 365 also presents new development opportunities, leveraging APIs available to partners and enabling them to bring their own innovations to market.
Regardless of how you decide to leverage this exciting new development, Sherweb can act as an extension of your team throughout the entire process. Take full advantage of the highly-anticipated market momentum for Windows 365—join Sherweb’s partner program to get started.
