These days we use a lot of physical client PCs and programs but it is difficult to set up the same software on all devices. This is where the Microsoft Cloud PC model comes into play: the software giant is lending a PC located somewhere in its data center and available to clients who are connected to the Internet anywhere in the globe.
What Does It Do
Currently, Microsoft uses Windows 365 for business (companies with up to 300 employees) and enterprise customers (companies with more than 300 employees), possibly two types of company customers who need cloud PCs. As Microsoft describes it, its Windows 365 – located on the Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system cloud – securely transmits the OS along with all apps, data, and settings to any personal or corporate device connected to the Internet. It’s comparatively cheaper than buying a PC and it does not require any maintenance even if it is not turned on or the device itself is broken or stolen. For remote workers, there may be a difference between buying a new laptop or getting a login for Windows365.com.
“The Windows experience is consistent regardless of the device,” Microsoft’s Scott Manchester wrote in a blog post.
Pocket Pinch
Microsoft currently offers several Windows 365 configurations. The cheapest ones include a virtual CPU, 2GB RAM, and 64GB storage starting at $20. Eight virtual CPUs, 32GB of memory, and 512GB of storage are on the high end for $158 per month. The Windows 365 Basic Plan (2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage) costs $31 per month, while the Premium Plan (2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage) costs $66 per month. More detailed pricing information is available on the Microsoft website.
In part, Microsoft’s Windows 365 facilitates software management for large companies with thousands of devices. Still, it remains to be seen whether these customers will adopt this technology. Microsoft’s move into the cloud PC arena is a way for the company to compete in the cloud business. Windows has the Microsoft sleeve, and in the future, Microsoft is going to play it wisely. Is it going to be big business? Only time will tell.
