Microsoft's Trust in Windows 11: Pay to Host Virtual Machines as Your Desktop Inevitably Fails
Microsoft has launched Windows 365 Reserve, a service designed to help businesses quickly provide temporary Virtual Machines (VMs) in Microsoft's cloud to users when their desktops or laptops break down. This service is separate from the main Windows 365 product and offers users access to a "temporary, secure, and dedicated Cloud PC" for up to 10 days.
Functionality of Windows 365 Reserve
Windows 365 Reserve is an ideal solution for maintaining productivity during unexpected outages. It provides temporary cloud-based access to a dedicated Cloud PC when the primary device is unavailable due to hardware failure, software issues, cybersecurity threats, or other disruptions. The service integrates well with existing IT infrastructures, such as Microsoft Intune, for centralized management and security.
Scalability and Limitations
Scalability:
Windows 365 Reserve can quickly deploy Cloud PCs, getting users back online in minutes. This rapid deployment is crucial for maintaining business continuity during disruptions. The service also includes security features like disabled redirections and enabled VBS/Credential Guard to reduce common data exfiltration risks when users access Cloud PCs from unknown devices.
Limitations:
Users require a secondary device (e.g., tablet, smartphone, or another computer) to access Reserve Cloud PCs. This dependency means it is not a full replacement for hardware but rather a stopgap for productivity. The service's scalability can be constrained by Azure's regional capacity limitations, meaning that while Reserve can quickly provide temporary Cloud PCs, it might not be sufficient for very large-scale outages.
Microsoft has not yet disclosed general availability pricing for Windows 365 Reserve, which could affect an organization's decision to adopt the service widely or use it only as a contingency measure.
Beta Testing and Participation
Participants in the Windows 365 Reserve beta are required to complete a set of admin and end user validation scenarios and provide feedback on the experience. Successful applications for the beta will be granted no-cost access to the platform for up to 12 weeks.
Usage Scenarios
The use of Windows 365 Reserve may not be suitable for situations where a local, cloud-free PC would be more appropriate, such as in cases where there is no network connection or a 10-day deadline is not necessary. It is also not intended for widespread disasters that may leave more than a handful of users adrift at the same time due to potential scale limitations.
Access and Management
The Cloud PCs hosted in Microsoft's cloud platform are manageable via Microsoft Intune. The Windows 365 Reserve Cloud PC can only be used with a secondary device and a web browser or the Windows App. The Windows App is also available on mobile devices, though interacting with a desktop interface on a 5" touchscreen smartphone may not be enjoyable.
The service was first announced in June by Microsoft's Stefan Kinnestrand, veep for modern work. In the event of a device failure, businesses can give their users access to a Cloud PC through a secondary device with a web browser or the Windows App. However, it's important to note that the service is subject to scale limitations such as Azure capacity constraints and requires a network connection to connect to the Cloud PC.
In summary, while Windows 365 Reserve offers a fast and secure way to maintain productivity during device outages, its scalability is limited by regional capacity constraints and the need for a secondary device. As such, it should be considered as part of a broader disaster recovery strategy rather than a standalone solution.
