With the rise of remote and hybrid work, many business leaders and managers face the challenge of ensuring their teams have access to essential tools and data, no matter where they are. Enter Windows 365, Microsoft's innovative cloud-based operating system that promises to revolutionize how businesses operate.
What is Windows 365?
Windows 365 is a subscription-based service that allows users to access a fully functioning version of Windows from anywhere, using any device. Unlike the traditional desktop or laptop setup, where all your data and applications are stored on the local hard drive, Windows 365 runs entirely in the cloud. This means that you can access your personalized Windows environment on any internet-connected device with ease.
Windows 365 is powered by Microsoft's Azure Virtual Desktop technology, making it a secure and reliable option for businesses.
Different Windows 365 versions
There are two versions of Windows 365 available: Business and Enterprise. Windows 365 Business is designed for small and medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users. It offers a straightforward setup process and simplified management tools, making it an excellent choice for businesses without a dedicated IT team.
On the other hand, Windows 365 Enterprise is tailored for larger organizations, providing more control over the management of virtual PCs via Intune, as well as integration with Microsoft apps such as Entra ID and Defender for Endpoint.
There are two variations of the Enterprise edition: Windows 365 Frontline and Windows 365 Government. Frontline is designed for organizations with shift and part-time workers, allowing up to three employees to share a single Windows 365 license as long as they access the virtual PC at different times. The Government edition, meanwhile, is for US government agencies and contractors with access to Government Community Cloud (GCC) or GCC High, featuring stricter security and compliance standards than other versions.
How much does Windows 365 cost?
Microsoft charges a flat monthly rate per user for Windows 365. The pricing is based on virtual machine configurations, which means you can choose the level of performance and features that best suit your requirements.
There are 13 virtual machine configurations available. The most basic option (two cores, 4GB memory, 64GB storage) costs $28 per user/month, while the most advanced option (16 cores, 64GB RAM, 1TB storage) is $315 per user/month. These rates are for Windows 365 Enterprise customers, while Windows 365 Business customers pay an additional $4 per user/month. However, there's a $4 per user/month discount if accessed via a device running Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro.
Benefits of using Windows 365
More and more businesses are turning to Windows 365 as their preferred computing solution primarily because of these benefits:
- Flexibility and accessibility – Windows 365 allows your employees to access Windows programs from any device, which is especially useful for remote or hybrid work.
- Scalability – As your business grows, so do your computing needs. With Windows 365, you can easily add or remove users and change configurations to meet your evolving requirements.
- Enhanced security – Windows 365 runs on Microsoft's secure Azure cloud platform, providing advanced security features to protect your data and infrastructure.
- Simplified IT management – Windows 365 allows your IT team to automate many complex tasks associated with virtual desktop setup and maintenance, freeing up time for more pressing responsibilities.
- Cost savings – Windows 365 eliminates the need for expensive hardware upgrades and maintenance, reducing your overall IT costs.
The future is here with Windows 365
Windows 365 represents a significant leap forward in business computing, offering a flexible, secure, and efficient solution for modern organizations. With its easy setup, simplified management, and familiar Windows experience, it's no wonder that businesses are embracing this innovative technology.
To learn more about how Windows 365 can transform your organization's IT infrastructure, reach out to our experts for a personalized consultation.