Over the last two years, companies have moved most of their data and work processes to the cloud out of necessity. The pandemic drove a major shift to a remote workforce globally. And even now, many companies plan to keep a hybrid working model with employees working both at home and the office. 72% of Singapore executives state that their companies will maintain a hybrid work model, even once the pandemic has passed. This is going to require a hybrid workforce strategy when it comes to cloud services and the devices that employees need for productivity. Many company phone systems have already moved from landlines to cloud-based VoIP. Just about the only thing left that an employee works with that is not in the cloud is their computer. But Microsoft is betting that’s going to change in the near future. Microsoft’s Windows 365 is a completely cloud-based PC. Users can access it from any device (computer or mobile), but that device is only used to log into a cloud environment. The entire computer (what we know as a “computer”) is hosted on a cloud server. Cloud PCs have been around for a few years, but Microsoft has optimized Windows 365 to be simple to use and have an uncomplicated subscription model. It has also priced it for both enterprise and small business customers. Why migrate from physical PCs to having all your computers in the cloud? Here are several benefits of moving to cloud desktop environments to consider.
Perfect for a Hybrid Working Environment
Hybrid working environments often have employees working at the office part of the time and at home part of the time. This can be challenging when it comes to their physical business computer. Either employee must switch between devices, perhaps using a personal device at home, or they may have a laptop that they have to move between home and work. Neither of those solutions is optimal. With one, employees have to adjust to a different device all the time, with the other, there is a heightened risk of data loss and device damage. With Windows 365, employees can log into the same exact computer workspace, no matter where they are, without having to carry around their work device. This is a big convenience for hybrid workforces and makes the transition between home and work fluid.
Anywhere Access to Your PC (Programs, Settings, Files, etc.)
With a cloud PC, it’s not just your files that you can access from anywhere. Everything that would normally be saved on your hard drive is saved on a cloud server. This includes the operating system, installed programs, all your files, and your PC settings. Users get a better experience than they do with just cloud applications or cloud file storage because they have access to their entire desktop environment. No matter where they are or what device they are using to access Windows 365, they have the same experience. This improves productivity because users have everything they need to matter where they are.
Easier to Manage Endpoint Security
The lack of visibility into remote worker devices is a big problem for company IT security. If employees aren’t updating their PCs regularly, backing up data, or keeping their anti-malware application updated, a company can easily suffer a data breach. Windows 365 puts all your PCs in the cloud, which means you have complete visibility into them remotely. You can provision cloud PCs, restrict access should an employee quit suddenly, and ensure all computers are kept properly updated. With visibility into your business computers from anywhere, you can make sure everyone’s device is using the same security policies, backup all data, and monitor and scan for malware regularly.
Reduce Hardware Costs
The physical devices that your employees use to connect to a Windows 365 cloud PC do not need to have a lot of hard drive storage or top performance specifications. The processing power is coming from the cloud PC. This means you can spend less on your physical devices and that you can allow employees to use their own computers while working at home without it negatively impacting security or performance. They simply use their computer to log into Windows 365, and all processing and file storage is done in the cloud.
Cloud Access to Non-Cloud Software
If your company uses any software that is not cloud-based, you can make it cloud accessible by installing it on the Windows 365 cloud PC. Just like your physical computer, you can install programs on a cloud PC. Because the computer is virtual, that means you can access any programs stored on that cloud drive from any location, like you can with other cloud applications.
Learn More About Migrating to Windows 365 for Better Productivity & Security
Managed IT Asia can help your Singapore business review the advantages of switching from physical computers to Windows 365 and facilitate a smooth transition. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Call +65 6748 8776 or reach us online.
MANAGED IT ASIA, we are an IT Support, IT Solutioning and Managed IT Service Provider specializing in serving Small Businesses across Asia. Call us at +65 6748 8776 and let us manage your Small Business IT today!