Microsoft's $350 Windows 365 Link cloud client is now available

[Alfonso Maruccia]

In context: The "thin client" concept is almost as old as computing itself, dating back to the first terminals used to access mainframe computers in early multi-user systems. Today, thin clients are primarily used in the enterprise market to simplify the management of employees and off-site operations – and Microsoft clearly wants a piece of that.

Microsoft announced the Windows 365 Link in November and is now beginning to offer the new device to customers in select markets. Link is the first custom system the company has built specifically to access cloud computing resources within the Windows 365 ecosystem, though third-party manufacturers have been offering similar systems for quite some time.

From a hardware perspective, the Windows 365 Link is a compact, purpose-built device designed to do just one thing: connect users to Microsoft's cloud infrastructure. It cannot perform any productive tasks without first accessing a Microsoft cloud account. However, Redmond noted that its local processing capabilities are sufficient to handle high-performance video playback during remote meetings.

More than 100 organizations helped Microsoft test the Link through a dedicated preview program, and the company says it has refined the remote computing experience based on that feedback. Setting up the thin client takes only a few minutes with minimal configuration, according to Microsoft. IT professionals can manage the device via the Microsoft Intune platform, while end users can easily access their Windows 365 Cloud PC accounts from remote locations.

The Windows 365 Link has no local storage capabilities, meaning employees cannot save files on the device or launch programs outside their cloud environment. According to Microsoft, the client is secure by design, featuring technologies such as Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module, BitLocker, and Hypervisor Code Integrity – all of which are permanently enabled and cannot be turned off.

Windows 365 Link is now available for purchase in the US, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand, with a suggested retail price of $350 in the US. However, the device is not aimed at traditional consumers. Microsoft recommends that interested buyers contact their Microsoft account representative or purchase through select resellers like Insight Enterprises and SHI International.

While the Windows 365 Link marks Microsoft's first venture into the thin client hardware market, several OEMs already offer similar "dumb" clients optimized for accessing Windows cloud environments on Azure or other platforms. Moreover, Windows 365 Cloud PC subscriptions can be accessed via a web browser or the Windows App, so enterprise organizations don't need to rush to deploy thousands of Link devices just yet.

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Microsoft's $350 Windows 365 Link cloud client is now available

 

[Dreadcthulhu]

Seems pointless when you can get mini-PCs these days for the same price or cheaper that can do all the same cloud functions but also can do stuff locally if needed. Though I suppose that MS price might include some sort of enterprise support.

 

[VariableSpike]

So a $350 deadweight whenever M$ decides to kill it, and also tied to their service alone, wonderful.....

 

[toooooot]

The real price is the price MS will charge for what's in the cloud.

 

[SRB]

Knowing Microsof, they probably have $50 in the hardware. Gouge and get lock in. What more can you ask for?

 

[Stiqy]

Seems pointless when you can get mini-PCs these days for the same price or cheaper that can do all the same cloud functions but also can do stuff locally if needed. Though I suppose that MS price might include some sort of enterprise support.

That is the actual point. The IT department does not want 240 users with access to desktops installing their own crap and messing with settings. Or having to lock down desktops in a dozen different ways. These are purpose-built for environments where they want dozens or hundreds of machines that simply connect to the cloud and do exactly what they are supposed to do and nothing else.

The price point is literally zero in terms of cost of ownership if it simplifies support by even one or two incidents total.

If this eliminates even one or two "house calls" from IT to fix problems with the desktop or created by the user then it's already saved the company the $350 they paid for the device.

 

[Crunch]

That is the actual point. The IT department does not want 240 users with access to desktops installing their own crap and messing with settings. Or having to lock down desktops in a dozen different ways. These are purpose-built for environments where they want dozens or hundreds of machines that simply connect to the cloud and do exactly what they are supposed to do and nothing else.

The price point is literally zero in terms of cost of ownership if it simplifies support by even one or two incidents total.

If this eliminates even one or two "house calls" from IT to fix problems with the desktop or created by the user then it's already saved the company the $350 they paid for the device.

Spot on.