Cloud Computing for Businesses Across Sydney

A Cloud PC is a completely virtualiased (not physical) computer that is accessible over the internet. Users can login to a Cloud PC from their own personal device. The Cloud PC has all the characteristics of a physical PC except that is is hosted in the cloud. The Cloud PC has dedicated CPU. RAM and Storage. They can also access the microphone and webcam of the host device and use that for audio and video calls.

1. Remote staff especially overseas staff or contractors such as Virtual Assistants typically access your organisational data from their personal computers. These computers typically have poor security hygiene and thereby are a security risk for your organisation. The risk of data breach due to unauthorised access as well as data privacy concerns are significantly higher in these cases.
2. Cloud PCs are hosted in Australian data centres and specific security and conditional access rules can be appleid to Cloud PCs so that your organisational data can be accessed only from this Cloud PC and your data doesn’t leave the safe and isolated Cloud PC environment.

Deploying a Cloud PC comes with a number of benefits:

• They are quick to provision. A Cloud PC can be made available within the hour.
• They are quick to decommission when an employee leaves the company. They can be decommissioned with just one click. This will enable organisations to control their data quickly in the event of a sudden dismissal. Additionally, there are no physical computers to return to the head office
• Cloud PCs can be scaled up or down depending on the need. PCs without the need to video conference for example can be given a lower and more cost effective specification of a Cloud PC. Graphic designers for example who need a more powerful device with graphics capabilities can be given a more powerful Cloud PC.
• Cloud PC licenses can be reused with another employee so the license is not unused when an employee leaves
• Cloud PCs have their own Gigabit internet speeds. This is separate to the internet speeds available on the host device.

Any size organisation from small to medium to large scale organisations who have remote staff (not in a physical office) with a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy can benefit in a number of ways by deploying Cloud PCs to these employees.

Windows 365 Cloud PCs have best practice security measures applied – including but not limited to the below

• Data Encryption: Windows 365 Cloud PC uses encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest. This means that data traveling between your device and the cloud PC is encrypted, and data stored on the cloud PC is also encrypted.
• Identity and Access Management: Windows 365 Cloud PC integrates with Azure Active Directory for identity and access management. This allows for features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security.
• Network Security: Microsoft has security measures in place to protect the network infrastructure supporting Windows 365 Cloud PC. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security controls.
• Patch Management: Microsoft regularly releases security updates and patches for its operating systems. Windows 365 Cloud PC should receive these updates to help protect against vulnerabilities.
• Compliance and Auditing: Microsoft typically complies with various industry standards and regulations and provides tools for auditing and compliance monitoring.
• Endpoint Security: Security on the device you use to connect to Windows 365 Cloud PC is also crucial. Ensure that your local device is running up-to-date antivirus software and that you follow best practices for securing your endpoints.
• User Education: Security is not solely a technical matter. Educating users about best practices for using Windows 365 Cloud PC and recognising potential security threats is essential.

Whilst there are many positives, we list some cons below:

1. The end user will need to supply their own computer in order to connect to the Cloud PC.
2. Alternatively, in the case of overseas staff, the company can still provide staff with a basic computer which can then connect to the Cloud PC which is located in an Australian Data Centre and therefore within Australian legal jurisdiction.
3. Cloud PCs have an ongoing monthly cost in license fees to Microsoft for hosting the PC.

Yes, Windows 365 Cloud PC supports multiple monitors.

Yes, Cloud PCs will be able to access the host computer’s webcam and speakers so that users can video conference internal and external users for example from within the Cloud PC via Teams or any other video conferencing software.