Microsoft is building a new desktop-as-a-service offering built on top of Windows Virtual Desktop that could launch as soon as 2021.
For years, many of us Microsoft watchers have expected Microsoft to create a true virtualized Windows PC experience. Well, it's happening, likely as soon as spring 2021.Microsoft is currently calling the coming virtualization service "Cloud PC." Cloud PC won't replace locally installed Windows (and Office) -- for the foreseeable future, anyway. It will be an option for customers who want to use their own Windows PCs made by Microsoft and/or other PC makers basically like thin clients, with Windows, Office and potentially other software delivered virtually by Microsoft.
I found a job description posted June 5 for a program manager for Microsoft's Cloud PC team on the company's careers site. The description of Cloud PC isn't super-detailed -- or surprising to anyone following Microsoft's virtualization strategy.
"Microsoft Cloud PC is a strategic, new offering that is built on top of Windows Virtual Desktop to delivering Desktop as a Service. At its core, Cloud PC provides business customers a modern, elastic, cloud-based Windows experience and will allow organizations to stay current in a more simplistic and scalable manner," the job description says...
Read more: Microsoft is working on an Azure-powered Cloud PC service | ZDNet
This is a great piece of detective work by Mary Jo Foley. I thought the story was good enough in fact that I blogged about it for Win10.guru today too: check out my reactions at MS Job Posting Reveals Company’s Cloud PC Plans if this sort of thing interests you.
Best wishes and thanks for sharing,
--Ed--
Last edited by EdTittel; 20 Jul 2020 at 14:27. Reason: fix typo and URL
I believe we prophesied about this approximately 2 or 3 years ago!
Hi there
I think this has a lot of mileage in it now -- after the COVID experience with loads more working at home - providing a stable unified Windows experience for remote workers could well be a win - win for remote workers and businesses.
Cheers
jimbo
The way of the future...
'Endless payments for services rendered'!
Hi there
@Edwin
So you expect to go to work and NOT get paid. -- Or if retired -- how do you think those pensions get paid !!!
If say you are working in an office using I.T equipment --that stuff doen't come as "mana from Heaven" --it all has to be paid for.
For an employer providing a unified cloud infrastructure W10 desktop can be hugely cheaper overall -- best of all is that Home workers / Remote workers can use their own gear with zero risk to the employers own network / infrastructure -- I can't see what's wrong with this model for a load of businesses with remote workers. For Schools also this could be a lot cheaper too. Individuals can still use their own Windows or whatever without using the cloud if they so wish.
Win Win -- No expensive commuting, no using crappy office equipment when your own at home is a zillion times better, no need if travelling long distances to go to work to spend days in hotels etc.
I also know some people now who just "slyly slink back" into an office to "top up on Stationary supplies and printer ink / cartridges " on the odd day !!!
I can see loads of employers using a Cloud type model in future - Remote / Home working is going to stay --who wants ever to go back 4 or 5 days a week into a hideous open plan type of Office any more even when this whole Virus thing is over.
Cheers
jimbo
I
Quote