Leveraging Windows 365 for MSPs: A Guide

If you’re looking to provide Windows 365 services to your customers, here is what you need to know to leverage Windows 365 for MSPs.

Windows 365 is a new way for MSPs to offer fully managed Windows devices by streaming to any device they already have. The cloud has changed the way businesses operate and has created new opportunities for managed service providers (MSPs). This is accomplished with either a Chromium based browser like Edge or Chrome, or the Remote Desktop app on the device. Once a user is licensed for Windows 365 Enterprise they will have a fully provisioned static Azure AD joined PC managed by Microsoft Endpoint Manager and monitored via Microsoft 365 Lighthouse for MSPs.

What is Windows 365 for MSPs?

A cloud based solution

Windows 365 is a cloud-based service from Microsoft that creates new virtual machines (Cloud PCs) for your end users. These Cloud PCs Windows devices that are assigned to individual users and help them be productive, secure, and collaborative in their work. By using Microsoft’s cloud services, Windows 365 provides users with benefits like scale and cost savings, increased security and compliance, and easy access to the latest features and updates.

A complete end-to-end solution

MSPs can leverage Windows 365 to provide their customers with a complete end-to-end solution that includes the following.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

Customers can subscribe to a fully managed desktop solution that is always up-to-date and available on any device.

Application as a Service (AaaS)

Customers can subscribe to any application they need, including Microsoft 365 and Office 365, and have it delivered to any device.

Security as a Service (SECaaS)

Customers can subscribe to a comprehensive security solution

Different Ways to offer Windows

Now that we have a better understanding of what Windows 365 is, let’s talk about the different ways to offer Windows.

Windows Physical Device

Physical devices are traditional laptop, desktop, and tablets like Surface Pro. Pricing naturally depends on the hardware needs and typically holds a shelf life of two to three years (five if you’re really lucky). These devices have been available since the introduction of personal computers and serve many use cases. Today, with the introduction of Cloud PCs we do not have to burden our customers with pricey hardware replacements that are often tied to ordering and maintaining physical devices. Instead, physical devices should be offered to customers with specific use cases. Example: 3D CAD Designers, Photographers, Graphic Designers, Gamers & Game Developers. We recommend a physical device with premium specs to these types of users because (currently) Cloud PCs do not offer dedicated graphics processors.

Cloud PC

Windows 365 Cloud PCs are great for your everyday user that has at least a 12mbps broadband connection. They are static Windows Machines that are always on and available 24/7. These PCs are hosted in a Microsoft Data Center and streamed to any device via remote desktop. Pricing is monthly by required specs and not only has an unlimited shelf life, but an upgradable one.

Cloud PCs can also take full advantage of physical hardware on the endpoint your customer is using to connect. Example: When you open your Cloud PC via the Web browser OR Remote Desktop app on your Mac, iOS, Android, or Windows Device it will have access to your Camera, Microphone and USB ports just as if it was your physical PC. A key benefit for Cloud PC users is the high-speed internet provided by Microsoft. Users can expect speeds of 500mbps-1gbps download/upload speeds regardless of their home or office connection.

Key Windows 365 Benefits for MSPs

1. With Windows 365 for MSPs, Cloud PC is always on and up to date via Windows Update for Business (#WUfB)

2. Direct connection to Microsoft Endpoint Manager (#Intune)

3. Simplified User-based Autopilot deployment

4. Ready in under 20 minutes once license is assigned to user

5. No dependency on local network speeds

6. Proactive & compliant physical security within Microsoft Data Center

7. Predictable flat license cost per user

8. Easy to upgrade specs by upgrading user license

Get Started with Windows 365 for MSPs

Since its inception, Microsoft has been a pioneer in the field of computer software. The company’s products have been used by billions of people around the world and its Windows operating system is the most popular in the world. In recent years, Microsoft has been moving its products and services to the cloud, and its Windows 365 offering is the latest example of this trend. Windows 365 is the perfect solution for organizations that want to move to the cloud but still need the flexibility and performance of a dedicated Windows 10 experience for each user.

Ready to get started with Windows 365? Contact Netlogic today.