Three years ago, Microsoft unveiled Windows 365, a revolutionary service that offers virtual PCs directly to customers, bypassing traditional partners.
Instead of just providing the operating system or OS along with select software like Office, Microsoft goes a step further by offering virtual machines hosted on its extensive Azure cloud servers.
Referred to as “desktop as a service” (DaaS) by some, Microsoft has branded its product as “Cloud PC,” positioning Windows 365 as your PC in the cloud.
According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, “Just as applications transitioned to the cloud with SaaS, we are now transitioning the operating system to the cloud, giving organizations more flexibility and a secure way to enhance productivity and connectivity for their workforce, regardless of their location.”
While Windows 365 hasn’t completely eliminated the need for high-performance laptops, it has gained traction among enterprise companies. Major firms like FedEx, ING, and Carlsberg have adopted the service. In Microsoft’s 2023 annual investor report, Nadella disclosed that Windows 365, along with Azure Virtual Desktop, generated over $1 billion in revenue. By mid-2023, one-third of Microsoft’s enterprise clients were paying for cloud-based Windows services.
So, what exactly is Windows 365?
Essentially, it’s a virtualization service that delivers a Windows desktop experience along with a range of first- and third-party applications to users, regardless of the hardware they are using.
2024-08-20 09:15:02
Original from www.computerworld.com