People have been accessing the Internet for over 30 years now. It has allowed us to do things that we never thought possible. Tech giants like
People have been accessing the Internet for over 30 years now. It has allowed us to do things that we never thought possible. Tech giants like Microsoft are taking advantage of this opportunity to make profit but, more importantly, to make the life of users easier.
One advancement that might change the desktop landscape forever is “Cloud PC”. Windows cloud computing service by Microsoft.
For years, Microsoft has included its flagship Window Operating system pre-installed with hardware designed by other manufactures. The operating system is often stored locally and updated regularly through the internet.
However, Microsoft Windows Cloud PC is no ordinary OS. It’s a cloud-based desktop experience that makes it easier for users to access windows and its application from anywhere, anytime.
As a result, users enjoy a secure and frequently updated system without having to depend on underpowered machines.
What is Microsoft Cloud PC?
Microsoft Cloud desktop service is a virtualized Windows 10 OS that runs completely on the cloud.
According to Microsoft, it’s an elastic, modern cloud-based windows experience that uses Windows
Virtual Desktop and Azure System to deliver Desktop-as-a-Service(DaaS).
Unlike traditional Windows OS, which is stored locally, Cloud desktop connects to the internet and accesses the Windows OS and other apps and services remotely. This offering by Microsoft is the perfect depiction of cloud computing in its purest form.
In Cloud desktop, everything will get stored on virtual machines on Microsoft servers instead of running on physical hard drives.
As a cloud PC user, you will enjoy the same visual, tools, and layout available to local Window users.
How powerful is Windows 10 as a Service?
Microsoft is actively testing Cloud PC service. The new Windows 10 as a service will have three subscription plans that users can choose from. The plans will grant customers access to different configurations from which they can run Cloud desktop. The plans include:
- Medium Plan: Designed for the general purpose and optimized for cost and flexibility. It offers two virtual CPUs, 4GB RAM, and 96 GB SSD storage.
- Heavy Plan: Ideal for individuals with advanced computing needs. It’s optimized for speed and increased performance. It comes with two Virtual CPUs, 8GB RAM, and 96GB SSD storage.
- Advanced Plan: Allows users to enjoy accelerated graphics optimized for data processing and scalability. The plan comprises three virtual CPUs, 8GB RAM, and 40GB SSD storage.
The Cloud PC service will differ from Windows Virtual desktop pricing, which depends on Azure cloud usage. To access the service, users will have to subscribe to it at a fixed rate.
This is good news to businesses and homeowners since it allows them to budget exactly for the subscription.
What does Cloud PC Mean for the Users?
Cloud desktop makes it easier for users to manage their apps and services since it eliminates the need for manual installation.
Everything will run from the cloud in a virtualized manner, meaning businesses and organizations can stay updated in a scalable and more simplistic way. They won’t have to struggle with the burden of rolling out massive future updates.
Let’s not forget that most of the time Windows updates rolled out by Microsoft often tend to cause significant problems and even hardware compatibility issues.
The new cloud desktop service will allow users to utilize their devices as thin clients to access remote Windows desktops and use software like Microsoft office. As a result, individuals who regularly switch between devices will easily access their PC on their mobile device anytime.
So, what are your thoughts on Cloud PC? Do you see yourself subscribing to the service? Or do you plan to stick to your traditional Windows PC?
