Microsoft Corporation today announced to offer its Windows operating system as a cloud-based service to facilitate hybrid work models to access business apps that needs Windows from a broader range of devices. Windows 365, the new cloud service will roll out on August 2.
“With Windows 365, we’re creating a new category: the Cloud PC,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Just like applications were brought to the cloud with SaaS, we are now bringing the operating system to the cloud, providing organizations with greater flexibility and a secure way to empower their workforce to be more productive and connected, regardless of location.”
Windows 365 enables users to stream applications fro the cloud across devices, similar to a Windows PC. It can procure, deploy and manage cloud PCs for organisations just like physical PCs through Endpoint Manager. Microsoft said it will also continue to innovate Azure Virtual Desktop. Sources opine, the cloud-based version was created in response to feedback from clients who wanted employees and students to have quicker and easier PC access regardless of physical location.
“With workforces more disparate than ever before, organizations need a new way to deliver a great productivity experience with increased versatility, simplicity, and security. Cloud PC is an exciting, new category of hybrid personal computing that turns any device into a personalised, productive, and secure digital workspace,” said Jared Spataro, corporate vice president for Microsoft 365 software.
Microsoft hopes the Windows 365 technology will be easy enough for small-business owners or smaller schools to introduce without a large IT department, with a predictable monthly bill based on the size of each virtual computer.
