You may have heard about virtual PCs in the past, but it’s not really something that has caught on in the business world in a big way. That’s about to change because Microsoft just introduced its new cloud PC service called Windows 365.
Microsoft is all about making new types of computing tools as accessible as possible. It was one of the first platforms to offer a Software as a Service (SaaS) model with Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365), so it has a track record of being a trendsetter.
There’s never been a better time to revisit the virtual PC idea because workforces around the world have just gone through a major transition due to the pandemic.
Many companies are planning to keep some workers remote either part-time or full-time. The hybrid workforce is seen as being the new normal and companies are relying on cloud solutions to make that happen. Over 82% of employees in Singapore want flexible remote work options and 62% of business leaders say they’re likely to redesign office space for hybrid work (a mix of both home and office).
How Does Windows 365 Work?
Windows 365 puts everything that is normally on your computer hard drive into a cloud environment. Employees can log in from a work desktop, from a laptop at home, or from a tablet while on the road and have access to their “main computer.” A cloud PC offers convenience, security, and much more. Here are some of the benefits of Windows 365 noted by Microsoft.
Versatile & Simple to Use
With a cloud PC, users no longer have to move between two different computer environments or carry around a laptop that could get damaged along the way. Being able to pick up right where you left off when working in different locations, is a big bonus. The interface is designed to be simple for employees to use and easy for companies to manage.
Improved Security
Windows 365 is designed for companies of all sizes and will be available in a business and enterprise version. It implements a zero-trust security architecture, which can help protect your company from cloud jacking and a data breach. Rather than having to wonder if your remote employees are regularly updating their PCs or have proper security precautions on their devices, companies can control all this automatically. All employee PCs are cloud-based so companies maintain control of their security and the data they have stored.
Fast & Powerful
Microsoft has implemented an instant-on boot for the Windows 365 environment, so users won’t have to wait as long for their PC to turn on. If you find that a computer needs more memory or storage, instead of having to purchase another physical computer, a business owner can simply scale up the virtual PC environment. This allows them to pay just for the performance they need and avoid the expense and disruption of migrating data to another computer.
Reasons to Consider Transitioning Your Team to Windows 365
Reduce Your Overall Hardware Costs
When using a virtual PC, you don’t need to pour a lot of money into the physical hardware used to access that cloud environment. You can buy computers with minimal storage and other performance parameters because the power is coming from the virtual computer.
Easier to Work With Remote & Hybrid Teams
When you have employees working from home, there’s a lot of decision and risk when it comes to what device someone will use to do their work. Will they use their own computer when working from home? Will you issue them a company PC to take home? If the employee works in both places, how will you handle the devices they need? Using Windows 365 makes it much easier to reduce risk while also enabling a consistently productive remote and hybrid workforce. Employees can use their PC to access the cloud computer, and you don’t have to worry about having company data stored on an employee’s personal device. Employees also get a consistent experience no matter where they are working from and all data, apps, and settings remain the same no matter where they are.
Simplifies PC Deployment
Using Windows 365 cloud PCs simplifies the whole process of computer deployment for a company. When onboarding a new employee, you don’t need to clean off an older computer for them to use. Each person can be requisitioned a brand-new cloud PC setup with whatever apps and specifications your company uses. When a remote employee leaves, you don’t have to go through an extensive digital offboarding process or go pick up their work computer, because their “computer” is virtual, and you already have full access to all the data. The scalability of Windows 365 also allows you to increase or decrease performance attributes as needed, so you’re only paying for what you and your team need at any given time.
Learn More About Windows 365 & Discuss a Transition
Managed IT Asia can answer all your questions about Windows 365 and put together a smart and affordable transition plan for your business. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Call +65 6748 8776 or reach us online.
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