[German]It has been speculated for quite some time that Microsoft is working on a so-called cloud PC (see Is Microsoft planning a 'Windows 10 Cloud-PC' for 2021?). However, a launch in spring 2021 has definitely not taken place and Microsoft has not announced anything like that yet. It is rumored that it is a service that is provided from the cloud on 'dumb clients' . In the last few days, more information on this topic has surfaced, which I would like to briefly summarize in a post.
Advertising
A few days ago, Mary Foley already made some speculations regarding this in this ZDNet article. She noticed a session on What's Next in End-User Computing at the Inspire Partner Conference on Juli 15, 2021. One of the two speakers in that session, which focuses on Microsoft's latest cloud solution for "hybrid working," is Scott Manchester. Manchester is director of program management for cloud managed desktops and a leader in the development of Windows Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Second Screen Remoting, multimedia and networking technologies.
Citing her sources, Foley writes that Manchester is working on a Microsoft's Azure-powered Cloud PC service (codenamed "Deschutes). " Cloud PC, she said, is a virtualized desktop-as-a-service offering that allows customers to use their own devices as thin clients. They remotely access a remote Windows desktop and can use software such as Microsoft Office. Microsoft plans to sell Cloud PC as a managed Microsoft 365 offering at a flat per-user price, Foley said. This is different from the previous model for Windows Virtual Desktop (now Azure Virtual Desktop), which is based on consumption of Azure resources.
The colleagues from Bleeping Computer have gathered some additional information in this article. They also state that the Cloud PC is reportedly based on Azure and uses Windows Virtual Desktop and remote desktop clients to stream a Windows desktop to any device. The Cloud PS is said to serve as an additional option for Microsoft 365 customers who want to access their cloud-based desktop anytime, anywhere.