Windows 365 Cloud PC has been around for a while now, so let’s examine whether the predictions when it was being touted as the next big thing to serve both office and home are coming to fruition.
Regardless of the 2020 mass migration to a remote workforce, much of the work in the U.S. is back to being performed on desktops and laptops in the physical office. Even Zoom is requiring its employees to be back in the office at least two days a week, so the dust is settling, so things will probably change.
Even with the unprecedented move to the cloud over the last two years, much of what workers need, especially in terms of collaboration, is still in the office.
Those with hybrid schedules who work from home and in the office will sometimes be without their ‘main computer’, which is usually in the office. This can present a problem when the home device has less speed and capacity. It can also make file sharing and access cumbersome.
Chances are at least part of your processes, like email and data backups, are in the cloud. More and more companies are moving their entire networks to the cloud, so why not put your workstation there? This is exactly what some technology providers offer, Microsoft has done this with their Windows 365 Cloud PC.
What is Windows 365?
Simply put, Windows 365 is a cloud-based PC. The entire operating system and everything that sits on it is in the cloud rather than on your earthbound network. As such, you can access everything you need from your office network through any internet-connected device (laptops, desktops, smart phones, tablets, etc.). That is the difference between W365 and a locally-based device that accesses apps in the cloud.
Windows 365 can be accessed through any type of device, from anywhere, just like other cloud services. You can install applications, personalize your desktop, and do all the things you normally do on a computer. The main difference is that the computer operating system is now in the cloud.
Pros
Access your computer anywhere
The ability to access your ‘main computer’ and office network from any connected device anywhere is the biggest benefit.
When traveling or even just going about your day, if your laptop, smart phone, or tablet is lost or stolen, you do not have to worry about losing any files or data. Everything will be safe in the cloud from another device – although you still need to have IT support wipe the old device clean immediately.
Perfect for the hybrid or remote workforce
The number of those who work from home or have a hybrid schedule may be slightly on the decline, but it still makes up a significant sector in business. While many companies are urging a return to the office, the future seems to indicate a healthy mix of remote and office work.
According to Zippia, 74% of companies in the U.S. are currently using or planning to implement a hybrid work model on a permanent basis, while 59% of employees are more likely to opt for a new company if they offer the ability to work remotely.
W365 easily facilitates the ability to work with full productivity from anywhere.
Easier Administrative and Cybersecurity access
Updating remote devices can be time-consuming and tedious. Users can log in, but the operating system, apps, data, and administrative controls are in the cloud. Acting upon management policies and procedures such as restricting access and performing updates becomes a very simple thing.
If an employee resigns, what do you do about the sensitive, proprietary data they have on their remote devices? With a cloud-based PC like Windows 365 that data is not ON the remote device – it’s in the cloud, and access to the business cloud can be cut off, affording the company the ability to maintain complete control of its data and security.
Cons
Internet dependent
W365, just like other Cloud PCs, suffers from the same dangers as any connected remote work environment, but with a major difference. With a standard, network-based remote connection, an internet outage means that you cannot join online discussions or access email, but you still have access to files and apps that exist on your computer. With a cloud PC you can do nothing until your internet service is restored, since everything is in the cloud – and you do not have access.
It makes no difference if the outage is on your end or your cloud provider’s end. Either way, you just have to wait for access to your ‘main computer’ or any of the data and files stored there to be restored.
Putting all your eggs in one ‘cloud basket’ can inhibit productivity. It is always wise to have Cloud to Cloud Backups – for legacy network data as well as Windows 365. This will ensure that your Windows 365 data is also stored in a separate, third-party cloud location and remains accessible.
Productivity depends on your internet connection speed
It stands to reason that if your internet connection is slow, the cloud app and your cloud PC will also be slow, which in turn slows your productivity. Lag time is not a fault of the cloud or the PC, but of the internet connection speed.
Is a cloud PC a good fit for your business?
Overall, it seems difficult to imagine any reasonably-sized business that would not benefit from Windows 365. There is a contact box and phone number on this page if anyone would like to ask questions or discuss how Windows 365 can help a particular type of enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pricing model for Window 365 Cloud PC?
A:
Windows 365 works on a subscription basis, just like other cloud services, and just like services such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, there are several levels.
Current Microsoft business pricing for Windows 365:
Basic: $31/user/month: 2vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
Standard: $41/user/month: 2vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
Premium: $66/user/month: 4vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
What is included with Windows 365?
A: It depends on the level of subscription you choose, but Windows 365 cloud PC pricing and features included under different plans are detailed in Microsoft’s Plans & Pricing.
W365 is a support platform for various configurations of Microsoft 365 as well as stand-alone versions like Office 2021, but does not include them. Pricing plans for Microsoft 365 Business can be found HERE.
How do I use the cloud on my PC?
A: A good first step is to view the video tutorial supplied by Microsoft Mechanics.
What license is required for Windows 365?
A: According to Microsoft Windows 365 FAQs, “Customers can purchase directly from Windows365.com, set up their account without a domain and provision and manage their Cloud PCs directly from the Windows 365 homepage on the web. No other Microsoft licenses are required—simply provide a credit card number to get started.”
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