Microsoft announces Windows 365 Frontline public preview

Microsoft is expanding its cloud PC offering with Windows 365 Frontline, designed specifically for shift and part-time workers. 

With the new Windows 365 subscription, businesses can buy only one licence and deploy it to three mobile devices. There are additional new tools available for system administrators using this service. 

Sam Tulimat, a Microsoft principal product lead, said in a blog post, “Windows 365 Frontline can be managed alongside your other Windows 365 Cloud PCs and endpoints with Microsoft Intune. From deploying apps to applying settings, it's easy for IT administrators to tailor the experience of each group of Cloud PCs to meet the needs of each type of employee.”   

Microsoft claims that Windows 365 Frontline users can log in from any location and utilise any device throughout their shift. For instance, healthcare personnel who split their time between several hospitals may use any device with Windows to view their profiles. 

Microsoft describes numerous scenarios in which this may be useful in a blog post, such as for healthcare professionals visiting multiple hospitals, IT support staff, insurance agents documenting occurrences in the field, and customer service reps. 

Instead of paying for fully utilised licences, businesses might save money by allowing shift employees to split them. IT departments may save both time and money by configuring, deploying, and managing the product with Microsoft Intune, as per the company. 

Microsoft released Windows 365 in 2021, a desktop-as-a-service it nicknamed Cloud PC because of the fact that it allows businesses to get the full Windows experience via a streaming connection to Microsoft's cloud. 

Microsoft said that Windows 365 Frontline can also receive updates via Windows Update for Business, and admins can monitor usage patterns with Intune.   

The new LG Smart TVs coming out in 2023 will be able to connect to Windows 365 and function as a desktop in a remote office setting. 

The Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola is one Android smartphone that will benefit from Microsoft and Motorola's collaboration to improve the Windows 365 experience on Android. Users can simply connect their ThinkPhone and start using Windows 365 on a bigger screen. Their Cloud PC will be located and set up immediately. 

To facilitate user access to both Cloud PCs and traditional desktops, Microsoft has announced the broad availability of the Windows 365 app, as well as Windows 365 Boot and Windows 365 Switch.