Matthias Attard
Aug 25, 2021
Matthias Attard
Aug 25, 2021
Microsoft have just launched a new cloud product - Windows 365, but what is Windows 365 and how can it benefit you on a day-to-day basis?
In a nutshell with Windows 365 feels like a cloud PC on steroids, where businesses are able to support on-site and remote working all at one go, by enabling an instantly available PC environment that can work on many different devices. This is ideal for businesses who have, or plan to have, a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, that will save up on costs for the business and make life easier for the employee.
Simply put by The Verge - "Microsoft is putting Windows in the cloud". As a business you get the option to choose between 3 different plans – basic, standard, and premium. The differences between the plans lies in the ‘power’ the virtual PC has. You can see the different plans and their intricacies below.
| Windows 365 Basic | Windows 365 Standard | Windows 365 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 2 vCPU 4 GB RAM 128 GB Storage | 2 vCPU 8 GB RAM 128 GB Storage | 4 vCPU 16 GB RAM 128 GB Storage |
| Access and manage the Cloud PC | Access and manage the Cloud PC | Access and manage the Cloud PC |
| Supports the desktop versions of Office apps, Outlook, and OneDrive | Supports the desktop versions of Office apps, Outlook, and OneDrive | Supports the desktop versions of Office apps, Outlook, and OneDrive |
| Supports the desktop version of Microsoft Teams (chat and audio calls only) | Supports the desktop version of Microsoft Teams | Supports the desktop version of Microsoft Teams |
| Up to 300 users | Up to 300 users | Supports Microsoft Visual Studio, Power BI, and Dynamics 365 |
| Up to 300 users |
The main advantage to this is that all the security, processing and resources are being taken off the local machine and being handled by the virtual PC in the cloud. This enables employees to use their own devices or thin clients to get their work done, being at home, the office or anywhere in between. Windows 365 also natively supports some of the more popular products, such as the Office suite, Teams and OneDrive.
Windows 365 virtual PC can run on PCs, Macs, iPads, Linux, and Android device through a native Remote Desktop application. Windows 365 can also run on a simple web browser. Basically, as long as you have an internet connection you can connect to your Windows 365 virtual PC from literally anywhere.
What are the alternatives?
The obvious comparison one initially makes is comparing Windows 365 with the cost of buying a new PC, which at a glance may not seem worth it. Although, when factoring in the initial cost, upkeep, parts replacement, security, and a resource to manage all this, and the devices of an entire organisation the savings are evident.
A more apt comparison would be Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) since the technology is similar but the savings are much more significant.
Every client we work with requires different solutions. So, we tackle each need with our expertise in technology, business strategy and innovation.
We propose and develop intelligent, secure infrastructure solutions, help build your internal capabilities and identify opportunities to enhance your business potential through the application of innovative technologies. This ensures a greater level of business management and progression.
Want to learn more about Windows 365 and its benefits? Contact us directly and one of our experts will reach out and guide you accordingly!
