Microsoft is bringing Windows to the cloud, separating its operating system from PC hardware to make a customer's desktop available from any location. Windows 365 will be able as a subscription service for businesses from 02 August, running first Windows 10 and later Windows 11 when it becomes available.
The new service extends Microsoft's growing portfolio of 365 software for businesses, creating a cloud PC platform for employees to access from anywhere. The company said the new system is "secure by design and built with the principles of Zero Trust", storing all information in the cloud rather on a device.
The new offering is expected to find favour with the new hybrid way of working from the office, home or multiple sites. In this more distributed environment, employees will have access to a personalised PC experience across locations and devices, with increased security, Microsoft said.
Users can stream all their applications, tools, data and settings from the cloud across any device, with flexibility in processing power and storage to scale up or down as needed. IT departments can manage deployment, updates and other functions across the Windows 365 account.
Small and midsize businesses can purchase Windows 365 directly or through a cloud service provider, and set up their organization with Cloud PCs with just a few clicks. Microsoft also plans to continue its Azure Virtual Desktop for organizations with more complex needs.
