Shortly after rolling out Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced Windows 365. This technology aims to make it easier for users to connect to Windows running in the Microsoft Cloud, regardless of what operating system (OS) they use. It does this by taking the OS to the Microsoft Cloud from where the full wonder of Windows can be securely streamed.

What is Windows 365?

To create a fluid experience across several devices, users require a technology that is always available and easy to use. Simply put, Windows 365 acts as a personalised Windows-based PC in the cloud, which can be accessed using any modern web browser from any device and where all apps and content can be streamed from the cloud to the user’s device or devices.

This Software as a Service offering from Microsoft is a new way of experiencing Windows 10, or Windows 11 and users have a choice of “hardware” that ranges from a single-core virtual PC with 2GB of memory and 64GB of storage to an entire workstation with eight cores, 32GB of memory and 512GB of storage.

This is an enterprise-only offering for businesses of all sizes that Microsoft hopes will provide companies with greater flexibility and a secure way to enable their teams to be more agile and productive, irrespective of their location.

Benefits of Windows 365

It has the added benefit of allowing companies to allocate the exact resources to their users based on their individual requirements. This is achieved by allowing the IT department to make changes to the Cloud PC’s specifications and by informing the IT Manager about how well a remote PC is performing via a Resource Performance report. If a user receives a low resource score, the IT department can add more RAM, CPU cores or storage to improve efficiency. This modernisation of Windows means that users will no longer need to worry about an intermittent internet connection or their PC slowing down.

As a cloud-based service, security is the foundation of Windows 365. With cybersecurity threats increasing, the platform has been built on a Zero Trust principle to protect sensitive company information.

Users will be able to work offline and, as 5G rolls out and Wi-Fi 6 becomes more comment, they will be able to use a browser-focused operating system on a terminal without the need for a localised hard drive, as in a thin-client setup.

This approach has the advantage of:

• Lower maintenance costs
• Tighter security protocols more resistant to cyber-attacks
• Faster deployment
• Fewer disruptions and less down-time
• Quick and easy updates
• Ability to work anywhere with an internet connection
• Collaborate more effectively

Costs of Windows 365

Although costs are not yet known, some of the disadvantages may include a dependency on a network connection, higher latency and possibly an annoyance factor due to the critical use of dual-factor authentication for security purposes.

The deployment will involve creating, assigning and managing the remote virtual desk service through Microsoft Endpoint Manager. This task should be handled by either in-house IT departments or outsourced to IT service providers such as Westech.

For further information about Windows 365, contact Westech, a professional IT services company that provides onsite and outsourced technical support.