Hosted Desktops vs Microsoft Windows 365

Both Hosted Desktops and MS Windows 365 are Desktops-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions, providing users secure access to their data and resources stored in a virtual desktop.

Hosted desktops are very similar to Microsoft Windows 365 as they run desktops in the cloud, enabling users to access their data, resources and applications remotely on any device with an internet connection.

What is a Hosted Desktop?

A hosted desktop is a Windows desktop containing applications, which users use to access files and data from their Cloud PCs. Files can be stored on a hosted file server, data can be on a database server such as SQL Server.

Hosted desktops give users and their team the freedom to work from anywhere, enabling them to access their business apps, data, and files on their Cloud PCs at any time, from any device.

Hosted desktops also provide numerous benefits for users and clients, including overall reduction in expenses, great accessibility and increase in productivity and scalability. Due to the benefits of hosted desktops, they are gaining popularity among businesses of all sizes.

What is Microsoft Windows 365?

Microsoft Windows 365 service is a new Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution from Microsoft that enables businesses and customers to access Cloud PCs remotely.

Windows 365 will be streaming a version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, which will work and be available across any modern web browser or via Microsoft's Remote Desktop application, enabling users to access their Cloud PC from a range of devices. No matter the device or the operating system, such as Windows, iOS, Android, Linux or Mac, Windows 365 offers a consistent Windows experience.

What is a Cloud PC?

A Cloud PC is an entire computer that operates 'in the cloud’, such as hosted desktops and MS Windows 365. This is your own desktop, so all of your applications, data, and settings will be securely streamed from the cloud to your device. Your Cloud PC is accessible from any device and works like a traditional PC.

Any application or software may be installed on a Cloud PC. Once installed, these applications and programmes may be used on any device, even ones that previously couldn't run your software.

Benefits of Hosted Desktops

Overtime hosted desktops have been gaining popularity among businesses, companies and industries of all sizes as their benefits are advantageous to businesses.

There is an overall reduction in expenses as all hosted desktops are able to run on any reasonably modern device, so there is no need to purchase hardware for each member of staff. Reducing the costs and expenses of hardware and components within a business.

There is also an improvement in accessibility when businesses use hosted desktops as they allow users to access their desktops from anywhere with any device with an internet connection. This also gives businesses and companies the option to work remotely or/and create a remote workforce.

Access to a hosted desktop is very flexible, making the ability to work much easier for users and employees, thus increasing the rate of productivity in a business. This can also help improve the workflow of employees as accessibility becomes much simpler and available to users.

When using hosted desktops there are also fewer hardware restrictions, such as allowing a business to grow without the need to purchase server hardware. This helps improve and grow the scalability within a business or company.

Switch to hosted desktops

GoCloud offers superior managed cloud hosting using both Citrix and Microsoft technologies, running from UK ISO27001 certified data centres. If you would like to use a Windows OS for your business, we can transition your team over to their very own hosted desktop without any disruption to your business. Access your files, data and apps with a GoCloud Windows hosted desktop and make remote working a possibility.

If you’re ready to make the switch, get in touch on 01482 751133 or email hello@gocloud.co.uk to find out more.

If you want to find out more, have a look at our FAQs page to find answers to the most common questions when considering a hosted desktop solution.

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