W365 Frontline GCC/GCCH, W365 Cloud Apps Preview and W365 Boot Updates

There were a couple new announcements with Windows 365 (W365) that are interesting.

W365 Frontline is now available in GCC and GCCH Clouds

W365 Frontline is developed to provide organizations with cost-efficient cloud PC solutions for users who require part-time or occasional access to virtual desktops. The service offers two distinct modes: Dedicated and Shared.

• Dedicated Mode: Tailored for shift-based, part-time, or temporary personnel, this mode permits Cloud PC usage exclusively during working hours. Each license allows up to three distinct user assignments; however, only one Cloud PC may be active at any given time. This configuration is well-suited for environments with rotating shifts or non-overlapping schedules.
• Shared Mode: In this arrangement, a single license can be utilized sequentially by multiple users within a group. Upon user logout, the desktop session is reset, ensuring no user data is retained.

The advantages of W365 Frontline include enhanced cost optimization by eliminating the need for individual licenses for every user. Additionally, it serves as an efficient replacement for legacy VDI systems, offering a scalable, secure, and straightforward Cloud PC management solution.

Reference: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/announcing-windows-365-frontline-for-gcc-and-gcch/4452096

W365 Cloud Apps in Public Review

Administrators can assign users access to specific cloud-delivered apps instead of a Cloud PC. This approach is suitable for organizations aiming to streamline app delivery and reduce the overhead associated with virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). W365 Cloud Apps operates on W365 Frontline Cloud PCs in Shared Mode. W365 Frontline licensing permits Cloud PC access for shift-based or part-time workers and supports unlimited users per license, with one active session allowed at a time. W365 Cloud Apps provides streaming access to essential applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Edge without requiring users to load a full desktop environment.

Reference: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-365-cloud-apps-are-now-in-public-preview/4453397

W365 Boot and Connection Center new experiences

When using a Windows 11 device, W365 Boot enables users to sign directly into their Cloud PC as the main Windows interface. This provides a streamlined method for accessing Cloud PCs. New features include:

• Connection Center now supports selection among multiple Cloud PCs during login.
• Improved troubleshooting and diagnostics capabilities.
• More consistent connection process.
• Built-in cross-region disaster recovery, allowing users to connect through different regions if one is unavailable.

Reference: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/windows-365-boot-connection-center--improved-experience---generally-available/4453399