Windows 365 is the first cloud-based PC globally, meaning users can access their personalized desktop experience anywhere, anytime, on any device, without the complexity of traditional VDI deployments. It provides end-users with the familiar Windows experience that they are used to while providing IT enterprises with the simplicity of activating hybrid AD join and purchasing cloud PC licenses. Although there are many ways to implement a hybrid workforce strategy, including Microsoft Cloud solutions like Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Intune, cloud PCs provides organizations a new low-cost, scalable, and secure way to provision workstations. There are many things to like about Cloud PCs, and the benefits significantly differentiate from other Hybrid strategies. That’s why we created our list of Windows 365 Top 5 Hybrid Workforce Benefits for IT Pros.

Benefit #1: Deployment is easy

Unlike VDI, cloud-based PCs scale with users changing compute and storage needs. It’s as simple as an IT admin granting users self-service privileges, just as if they were Active-Directory-joined. It’s not “Windows in a virtualized wrapper.” It’s REAL Windows accessed via the cloud, meaning a completely optimized Windows experience for users and administrators alike. 

Benefit #2: Windows 365 Microsoft Endpoint Manager Integration

Windows 365 integrates perfectly into Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM). Now you can procure, provision, and deploy cloud-based PCs in the same place you manage domain-joined PCs with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and non-domain joined PCs with Microsoft Intune. When all of your devices are in one place, you can more easily manage and secure your hybrid workforce.

Benefit #3: Getting Started is Easy!  

This Windows 365 Getting Started Guide makes configuring, provisioning, and deploying Windows 365 a breeze. Although on-premises network connections are required, the provisioning process is straightforward and quick. Product Manager, Christiaan Brinkhoff, takes you through each step of the process, step-by-step! 

Benefit #4: Windows 365 Cloud PC Scalability 

Windows 365 Cloud PCs provide the scalability and convenience of the cloud. No matter where users were when their session ended, they can pick right back up on another device. From an administration and security standpoint, Cloud PCs provide IT, administrators with the ability to repurpose hardware and implement BYOD strategies more efficiently.

Benefit #5: Windows 365 licensing

Unlike VDI licensing, which can be cumbersome and “all or nothing,” Windows 365 licensing provides flexible options. According to Product Manager Christiaan Brinkhoff, “The performance of your Cloud PC is defining per-user-assigned license via the Microsoft 365 admin center portal in the same manner as you would assign other licenses, such as a Microsoft 365 E3/E5 license, to users.” Accordingly, there are different licenses for different VM sizes, and all depend on the type of work the end-user will do. It’s a flexible and scalable model for a hybrid workforce. 

PolicyPak Integration and Partnership

As a Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Azure Virtual Desktop integration partner, PolicyPak will pursue opportunities to partner and integrate. Since Windows 365 and PolicyPak align in ensuring IT Pros have the tools to manage and secure the modern hybrid workforce, we’ll do everything we can to help support Microsoft’s vision. To stay up to date on PolicyPak and Windows 365 updates, sign up for updates on our contact us page notate “Windows 365” in the notes field.