You'll be able to Ask Microsoft Anything about Windows as a service on May 4

With its launch of Windows 10 in 2015, Microsoft took a big step into the era of 'Windows as a service' (WaaS). Like its other platforms, such as Office and Azure, Windows is now in a state of continuous development, providing more regular updates than its previous OS development model, which delivered major new versions every few years, along with the occasional Service Pack between those releases.

While almost two years have passed since Windows 10 was released, we're still very much in the 'transition' phase from the old model to the newer WaaS approach, particularly for businesses and other organizations that typically take longer to adopt new operating systems, and to adapt to new ways of doing things. One way that Microsoft is helping companies to make that transition is by encouraging them to join its Windows Insider Program for Business.

With the Insider Program, Microsoft made its Windows 10 development more 'transparent', and the company has committed to do even more on that front this year. It's also communicating more directly with customers, on social media and across its own communities, to answer questions about its platforms, and to address any potential concerns that users and organizations might have.

In fact, later this week, it will be hosting an AMA ('Ask Microsoft Anything') event to give its customers the opportunity to pose their questions about WaaS:

An AMA is a live online event similar to a "YamJam" on Yammer or an "Ask Me Anything" on Reddit. The Windows as a service AMA will give you the opportunity to connect with members of the Windows product and engineering teams, who will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to feedback.

The event will be hosted on the Microsoft Tech Community site from 9am to 10am PT on Thursday, May 4.

Last month, Microsoft released its latest version of Windows 10, the Creators Update, for PCs and for phones, along with a substantial feature update for its Xbox One consoles. The next major Windows 10 update - currently in development under its codename, Redstone 3 - is due to be released in September.