Virtuele desktops have existed for quite some time now. But with Windows 365 Cloud PC, Microsoft's latest VDI solution, you and your coworkers will enjoy a user-friendliness like you've never experienced before. But what exactly makes a Cloud PC so special? And how can your organization maximize the benefits from it? Dieter Kempeneers, our Modern Workplace Specialist, explains it to you in detail.
Tue, 12 March 2024
Windows 365 (Cloud PC) is the latest addition to the Microsoft VDI family. But what does that actually mean? Such a VDI, also known as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, provides access to a managed virtual Windows environment where you can work securely, wherever you are. And on any device you want, even if your company doesn't manage it. But that in itself is certainly nothing new.
Previously, Microsoft offered Remote Desktop Services (RDS) as a VDI solution. That was the first way to provide a Windows OS in a multi-session context, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously on the same server. Because companies are increasingly making the switch to the cloud, Microsoft launched Windows Virtual Desktop in 2019. That VDI service is now called Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and has the major advantage of being seamlessly integrated with other Microsoft services, such as Microsoft 365.
In addition, it also supports the current security mechanisms in Entra ID. For instance, it utilizes Conditional Access policies to enforce multi-factor authentication. It also includes other policies, rights, and settings that are based on user risk. Windows 365 builds further on the technology of AVD, but also has a number of additional advantages.
Another major player in Microsoft's VDI landscape is Citrix, which offers its own set of capabilities that better align with certain company-specific needs and scenarios. The major difference with Windows 365 is that a traditional VDI, like Citrix, places the management primarily in your hands. That means that you're responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and security of your infrastructure, among other things.
With Windows 365, on the other hand, a large part of the management is handled by Microsoft. And that makes it much less complex, of course. And on top of that: Windows 365 is license-based, just like Office 365 and Microsoft 365. So, you pay monthly and get immediate access to all the new features, without additional costs.
In addition to the extra management support from Microsoft and the predictable monthly cost, there are quite a few other reasons to consider Windows 365. Let's take a look at the main advantages together.
The focus of Windows 365 is clearly on ease of use. Microsoft actually provides access to a fully managed environment, which you can easily set up yourself, without any technical knowledge. You just need to add users to a group. The rest happens automatically. With remaining matters, such as connectivity and backup, you also don't need to worry. That's all included in your license, at no extra cost. Moreover, you can also integrate Windows 365 smoothly into the entire Microsoft 365 suite.
Did you know that Windows 365 was also developed
Moreover, Windows 365 Cloud PC does not run within your Azure subscription. Instead, it operates in a Microsoft data center. Everything you can manage yourself is done entirely through Intune:
Windows 365 also offers the perfect solution for remote users, such as freelancers, partners, or suppliers. They usually work according to the Bring Your Own Device principle (BYOD). And thus use their own device (and Mobile Device Management solution). You simply give those users access to a Cloud PC, where you can easily set all the necessary policies and applications yourself, without having to fully manage their device.
With Windows 365, every user has access to your company data and tools whenever needed. And your data never ends up on an unmanaged device. If the collaboration with one of your employees ends? Then you simply delete the Cloud PC. You can easily scale the number of users, from 1 to more than 1000 users.
Do you work not only with Windows but also with Mac (or Linux)? Then Windows 365 is a suitable cross-platform solution.
Managing a classic VDI solution requires a lot of energy from your IT department. They usually get overwhelmed with work: they check if the backup is working smoothly, resolve user tickets, perform updates... on top of their other tasks.
But with Windows 365, the majority of VDI management is completely eliminated. Your IT department only needs to add new users to a group. And the rest happens automatically. This way, you give your IT staff a bit more breathing room to focus on projects that really matter.
Do your users need to travel a lot domestically and/or internationally? And are there company-sensitive data on their laptop or tablet? Then this could pose a serious business risk in case of loss or theft. Through certain configurations, such as endpoint hardening, data loss prevention, and information protection, we can mitigate this risk.
But with Windows 365, you don't have to worry about that. Because then there is no company data present on the physical device. And if it gets lost, stolen, or unexpectedly breaks down, no data is lost either. Your employee simply logs in again through another (managed) device. And can immediately get back to work in the Cloud PC session, exactly as they left it.
With Windows 365, Microsoft provides something for every company with 3 different licensing models to choose from. That way, you'll be certain to find one that fits your business.
1
This entry-level version is not suitable for the majority of use cases: 1 license per person. Does not work via Intune. No Azure network integration. No Mobile Device Management (MDM). Default settings that you cannot adjust. Suitable if you for yourself want a Cloud PC.
2
The most powerful and feature-rich version, perfect for most businesses: 1 license / person. Advanced and seamless Intune and Azure integrations. Option to customize Cloud PC with Intune policies. Option to route traffic over your Azure network connection (and Azure firewall). Suitable if you want to introduce multiple Cloud PCs in your company.
3
This spin-off of the Enterprise version provides additional flexibility for large companies: 1 license / 3 users. Access to a personal Cloud PC, as long as users don’t log in simultaneously. All the features from Windows 365 Enterprise. Suitable for companies with a high number of employees. Or if your company operates in different regions. Ideal for additional cost optimization.
Still have questions about Windows 365? Or are you unsure which VDI is best for you? Feel free to contact us for a free
