Cloud models require robust identity (Microsoft Entra ID) and network security (no legacy NTLM). 5. Cost Analysis (Per Seat, 3-Year TCO) | Component | IoT Enterprise | Windows 365 (2 vCPU, 8GB) | |-----------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------| | Thin client hardware (refurb) | $200 | $150 (basic) | | Windows OS license | $89 (IoT LTSC) | Included in subscription | | Management (Intune) | $3/user/month | $3/user/month | | Cloud PC subscription (3 years) | $0 | $31.50/user/month ($1134) | | Total (3 years, per user) | ~$600 | ~$1400 |
Note: Cloud PC includes automatic updates, backup, and disaster recovery. | Scenario | Recommended model | |------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Factory floor with intermittent network | Windows IoT Enterprise (local) | | Call center with stable internet | Windows 365 Enterprise | | Healthcare roaming between wards | AVD on Windows 365 with Nerdio | | Legacy app requiring local COM port | Windows IoT Enterprise + RDP redirection | | Temporary contractor / BYO thin client | Windows 365 via browser (no client install) | 7. Future Outlook Microsoft is deprecating traditional “Windows Thin PC” (discontinued after 2016). The roadmap points toward Windows 365 Boot – a mode where thin clients boot directly into a Cloud PC, bypassing local Windows entirely. This aligns with the “Cloud PC as a service” vision. windows for thin client
stores zero persistent data on the thin client; the endpoint is essentially a “dumb” terminal. Conditional access policies can block logins from non-compliant devices. Compliance with HIPAA, FedRAMP High is possible via Azure Government. Cloud models require robust identity (Microsoft Entra ID)
Cloud models require robust identity (Microsoft Entra ID) and network security (no legacy NTLM). 5. Cost Analysis (Per Seat, 3-Year TCO) | Component | IoT Enterprise | Windows 365 (2 vCPU, 8GB) | |-----------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------| | Thin client hardware (refurb) | $200 | $150 (basic) | | Windows OS license | $89 (IoT LTSC) | Included in subscription | | Management (Intune) | $3/user/month | $3/user/month | | Cloud PC subscription (3 years) | $0 | $31.50/user/month ($1134) | | Total (3 years, per user) | ~$600 | ~$1400 |
Note: Cloud PC includes automatic updates, backup, and disaster recovery. | Scenario | Recommended model | |------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Factory floor with intermittent network | Windows IoT Enterprise (local) | | Call center with stable internet | Windows 365 Enterprise | | Healthcare roaming between wards | AVD on Windows 365 with Nerdio | | Legacy app requiring local COM port | Windows IoT Enterprise + RDP redirection | | Temporary contractor / BYO thin client | Windows 365 via browser (no client install) | 7. Future Outlook Microsoft is deprecating traditional “Windows Thin PC” (discontinued after 2016). The roadmap points toward Windows 365 Boot – a mode where thin clients boot directly into a Cloud PC, bypassing local Windows entirely. This aligns with the “Cloud PC as a service” vision.
stores zero persistent data on the thin client; the endpoint is essentially a “dumb” terminal. Conditional access policies can block logins from non-compliant devices. Compliance with HIPAA, FedRAMP High is possible via Azure Government.