A source spoke to CRN and explained that the 21-year veteran will lead a merger of both groups as Microsoft seeks more “integration and collaboration across the full Microsoft portfolio and ecosystem.” Microsoft is eager to put more focus on the cloud workspace as Azure Virtual Desktop sales continue to grow. Manchester is an ideal candidate to lead the combined divisions as he previously worked in Azure Virtual Desktop and is an architect of Microsoft’s cloud workspace project. “Microsoft sees an opening to accelerate even faster versus Citrix and VMware with its own branded VDI and DaaS [Desktop as-a-Service] solution,” the source says.
Windows 365
The lines between Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop are blurring, so it makes sense for Microsoft to bring development under one roof. “Five to 10 years from now there will be no Azure Virtual Desktop, which is just a gateway to Microsoft 365,” adds the source. “It’s all in the cloud. Microsoft is looking for more speed, innovation and adoption in cloud workspace with a single leader. Scott Manchester provided the vision for the Microsoft cloud workspace strategy. He is the right man at the right time.” Windows 365 brings the Windows platform to Microsoft cloud through Azure. The platform is a secure version of Windows that includes apps, settings, and data. It is available corporate and personal devices. Essentially, this is Windows through the cloud and accessible on any device. Microsoft uses its Microsoft Azure (Virtual Desktop) to handle the resources. Tip of the day: File History is a Windows back up feature that saves each version of files in the Documents, Pictures, Videos, Desktop, and Offline OneDrive folders. Though its name implies a primary focus on version control, you can actually use it as a fully-fledged backup tool for your important documents.
