Enterprises and businesses more often than not face challenges with deploying, managing and servicing Windows desktops and systems, as the process can be cumbersome depending on the size and complexity of users in the organization, and the efforts required to get it right. One way that organizations combat this challenge is by hiring MSPs (Managed Service Providers) that offer remote management of IT infrastructure for a per-user or per-device subscription fee.
However, enterprises may now have another solution to choose from, as Microsoft today announced Microsoft Managed Desktop (MMD), a service that brings together a suite of software solutions, coupled with PC hardware management. Rumored back in July, MMD brings together Microsoft 365 Enterprise (that includes Windows 10 Enterprise, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility and Security services), PC hardware as a service, and support to keep those devices up-to-date with latest security patches and version upgrades. However, as Brad Sams notes on Petri.com, the hardware is currently limited to Microsoft’s own Surface devices, with partner devices from OEMs like Dell and HP expected to be added in the near future.
The Redmond giant states that the service will help its customers concentrate on its core and “drive more business value” by eliminating the hassle of managing systems and keeping them up to date. The company adds that it deployed MMD as a test with some early customers that led to learnings that led to changes in Microsoft 365 to “better enable end-to-end scenarios for customers around the world”.
Microsoft is currently live with MMD with a few U.S. and U.K. customers and plans to begin operations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in early 2019. The company also plans to expand further to other geographies in the second half of 2019. The service will be available for a monthly per-user subscription fee, depending on the size of the organization and the devices provided.
Microsoft Managed Desktop is another step towards bolstering the Microsoft 365 service, providing end-to-end solutions for businesses both, in the software as well as the hardware front. With deployment solutions such as Windows Autopilot and promises to fix app compatibility for users upgrading from Windows 7, the company is providing compelling solutions for Enterprises to upgrade to Windows 10.
Microsoft might have more to share at their Ignite conference next week, so stay tuned.