Microsoft have adapted to the new hybrid world we find ourselves in. Last year Windows 365 was announced and made publicly available to provide organisations the option to use a Cloud PC. A device in the Cloud, that can be accessed through many different types of endpoints. It provides a seamless experience, no matter which device it is accessed from. Meaning you can pick up from where you left off, even on a separate device. But there is one question that I feel is asked a lot, where does it fit in? Why should I be excited about Windows 365?
Windows 365 came at a time when many organisations had already begun looking at hybrid working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical devices are now being managed by cloud-based solutions, such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM). Cloud-based services such as Microsoft 365 were being used to promote collaboration for those forced to work from home. For many organisations, using personal devices were not managed. Many had begun to use Azure Virtual Desktop as a remote access solution to provide a Windows experience from personal devices. So, many organisations had reacted to the shift of hybrid working. And then, Windows 365 comes along. It’s a great service and is designed for hybrid working, but with so much work going in to promoting hybrid working using the tools already at hand, Windows 365 may have been looked at but put to one side in favour of other projects.
Where does that leave Windows 365. Well it definitely has it’s place and I think a year after it’s public release, it deserves a bit more attention. So below are 4 scenarios, where I believe Windows 365 can thrive:
Seasonal Workers
Some organisations will have seasonal workers whereby at certain times of the year a team of workers come in temporarily to help with increased demand or to tackle a specific scenario. Many times, these seasonal workers will need a device to be able to work from. A Cloud PC could be the perfect answer to this. Windows 365 devices can be provisioned within minutes. And with these devices managed by MEM, the seasonal workers can be up and running using a managed device with minimal effort from the IT teams. Yes, there may still need to be effort to provide a thin terminal or device to access Windows 365 on, but compared to the effort of building several physical devices and handing them out, plus dealing with the maintenance, could be a game changer.
VDI Refresh
For Organisations who use Virtual Desktops and thin clients, Windows 365 is a worthy alternative. Most VDI environments are complex to set up but do come with greater flexibility. However, in an environment where every user has their own Cloud PC, Windows 365 can provide the following benefits:
- Less complex infrastructure – No need for multiple servers to be deployed. Windows 365 is cloud-based with only a supported client and an Internet connection required to use. Even for remote access, there is no need for a VPN to bring you back on to your network.
- Managed through MEM – The Windows 365 devices can be managed by MEM. The integration of the Cloud PC with MEM and Microsoft 365 allows for great management capabilities. It also provides a consistent approach to managing Windows devices.
- Stream to any device – Whilst mainly using a thin client in the office, working from any other location is possible using any device. Windows 365 also provides pick up where you left off functionality so you can continue your work seamlessly from any device.
Contractor Devices
Many organisations I have worked with have provided Contractors (or third party partners like risual) with physical devices to be able to access their internal network. This is a pain to manage logistically. Devices are sent all across the UK (or further), they have to be monitored and then sent back. Issues with devices can cause delays if a new one has to be sent out. It’s not a nice way to work or collaborate at times. But with Windows 365, a device can be spun up quickly. The Contractor is then able to log in and access your network and collaborate within hours rather than days. Once the work is finished, the device can be removed quickly and there is no chasing for the device to be sent back.
High-Powered Devices
There are many use cases of applications that require high specification devices to be able to run. Many times I see this resolved by organisations with a separate desktop that sits under someones desk and is remotely accessed. This has it’s limitations. It’s not portable. To access outside of the network a VPN would be needed with additional configuration needed. Windows 365 can provide high spec devices. It can also introduce the other benefits of the service to an application used internally. All without the need to manage the physical device.
Summary
Windows 365 has been available for just over a year, and is a very powerful Cloud PC model. However, the Cloud PC appears to still be finding it’s place due to the timing of it’s release. I think the above scenarios are great examples of how Windows 365 can be used. And I believe that over the next year we will find Windows 365 really find it’s groove. Many organisations will be looking at refreshing devices or modernising the management of their device estate. When this happens, Windows 365 should be considered in the mix as it may fit certain user personas.
