Well into 2021, companies everywhere have used the last 18 months to transform and adapt to extraordinary circumstances. Through virtual processes and remote collaboration, teams have embraced all manner of hybrid solutions – work from home, remote meetings, and back to the office. The capability to work whenever and wherever has become the new workplace normal, necessitating technology that is easy to use and easy to access. Of course, delivering security is important as well. With all that in mind, Windows has announced a new integrated personal computing category, specifically for this brave new hybrid world: the Cloud PC.
Powerful and Personal – Cloud PC
While announcing the new product, Microsoft referenced the recent Work Trend Index, which reveals that 73 percent of workers want work options to remain flexible. Still, a large portion of them (67%) are also hoping for more in-person team collaboration to return. This dichotomy has left companies across the country trying to figure out how to best connect in a hybrid environment, allowing access to all needed resources wherever they may find themselves.
The Windows 365 Cloud PC is designed to deliver an innovative way to experience Windows through the structure of the cloud. This doesn’t mean simply permitting and safeguarding remote access. A fluid, intuitive and flexible user environment will become paramount for recruitment and productivity post-pandemic as well.
The Cloud PC partners the power of the cloud and the device, providing a simple and secure full Windows 10 or Windows 11 experience. Windows 365 offers an instant-on boot experience that gives users the ability to stream all their applications, tools, data, and settings from the cloud across any device – including Mac, iPad, Linux, and Android.
The status of the Cloud PC stays the same, even when the user changes devices. This means they can work on their tablet in the airport and pick up on their laptop in their hotel room once they get settled – without missing a beat.
Microsoft states that one of the most vital design aspects of Windows 365 is simplicity. You can choose the size of the Cloud PC that best meets your needs. Organizations have the option to choose between two editions and to set up per user per month pricing.
Your IT Team Will Approve
The IT department should appreciate that Windows 365 allows Cloud PCs to be displayed right alongside physical devices in Microsoft Endpoint Manager. The team can apply management and security policies across the board, just as with all other devices.
- Windows 365 is built upon Azure Virtual Desktop, but it makes the virtualization experience easier by taking care of the details on your behalf.
- IT has the ability to scale processing power and monitor the performance of the Cloud PC to ensure employees are experiencing the best performance.
- Built-in analytics monitor the stability of connections across networks to guarantee the Cloud PC users has access to everything they need.
- The Watchdog Service continuously applies diagnostics to assist in maintaining connection at all times. If a diagnostic check fails, the IT team will be alerted and given recommendations on how to solve the issue.
Microsoft recommends that the new Windows 365 Cloud PC be used in conjunction with the Microsoft Azure Desktop for best results in customization and flexibility. The tech giant asserts this new product will give businesses of all sizes the ease of use, processing power, and security needed to confront the changing needs of the hybrid workplace.
Alliance IT provides a broad spectrum of services all organizations need to succeed and thrive. We provide IT solutions, cloud services, VoIP systems – all designed to allow you to focus on your priorities. To learn more about making your company more streamlined and efficient with IT managed services, call us today.
