Microsoft has announced Windows Virtual Desktop, a way to run virtualized instances of Windows and Office in the cloud.
Microsoft has announced Windows Virtual Desktop, a way to run virtualized instances of Windows and Office in the cloud.
Running on Azure, Windows Virtual Desktop offers multi-user supports and enables several people to remotely log into the same Windows 10 virtual machine. Microsoft says that the service is also optimized for Office 365 ProPlus and notes that it includes free Windows 7 Extended Security Updates.
While there are numerous services that provide access to virtual machines in the cloud, Windows Virtual Desktop is the only one that supports multiple users. It also offers Windows Store compatibility and the inclusion of Extended Security Updates for Windows 7 means that companies still to transition to Windows 10 will be able to use legacy apps.
Microsoft claims that deployment of Windows and Office on Azure can take just minutes, and touts the security and compliance support as major plus points for a range of businesses.
In a post on the Microsoft 365 blog, Microsoft points out a number of benefits including:
The Windows Virtual Desktop platform has been designed so that it can be extended through the Azure marketplace with partners including Citrix, CloudJumper, FSLogix, Lakeside Software, Liquidware, People Tech Group and ThinPrint.
The company adds:
A public preview will be available later this year, and you can register your interest here .
Image credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock
