Windows365 Cloud PC FAQ
How do I request a Cloud PC?
Cloud PC Cost Options
Basic
($48 CAD user/mth)
⁄Recommended to run light productivity tools and web browsers.
⁄2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
⁄Integrated with Microsoft Intune
⁄Supports the desktop versions of MS 365 apps, Outlook, OneDrive and Teams (chat and audio calls only)
Standard
($ 63 CAD user/mth)
⁄Recommended to run a full range of productivity tools and line-of-business apps.
⁄2 vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
⁄Integrated with Microsoft Intune
⁄Supports the desktop versions of MS 365 apps, Outlook, OneDrive and full Teams functionality
Premium
($ 100 CAD user/mth)
⁄Recommended to run high-performance workloads and heavier data processing
⁄4 vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
⁄Integrated with Microsoft Intune
⁄Supports the desktop versions of MS 365 apps, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams
⁄Supports Microsoft Visual Studio, Power BI, and Dynamics
What geographic locations are available?
Cloud PCs are not available in all regions. If you require a region not listed below, please consult the Microsoft document here for availability prior to submitting your request. Alithya has configured the service in the following locations:
- Paris, France
- Toronto, Canada
- Virginia, United States
What are the benefits of Cloud PC?
Provides remote Access to Alithya and Client Environments
Employees located anywhere around the globe but working on a “PC” hosted in either Canada, US or France based on current client base*
Note*: Additional “host” countries could eventually be added if our client locations were to change
Maintain security
Cloud PCs joined to Microsoft Entra ID, fully managed by Microsoft Intune for advanced threat protection and device management
Data is encrypted with Azure Storage server-side encryption (SSE)
Encryption of data at rest and in transit
Client network access compliance
Solves recent RAMQ project example where our employees working out of Morocco had to connect to client environment from a Quebec-based IP
Site-2-Site VPN solution used required physical presence of employees in Morocco office
Data residency compliance
Cloud PC virtual disk, content, data and storage associated with the Cloud PC lives in the Azure region that the Cloud PC is provisioned in (US, Canada, France)
Value simplified IT management
Scalable, Flexible, Familiar tools integrated within the technological map
- Short-term replacement if hardware is not available.
- A complete Microsoft managed SaaS (No inventory to manage / track)
- Highly available, optimized, and scalable virtual machine
- Rich Windows 11 desktop experience.
- It is hosted in the Windows 365 service and is accessible from anywhere (Except from countries where network connectivity is blocked), on any device.
- Management and deployment with familiar desktop tools and skills
- Predictable per-user pricing
- Access from any device – Windows PC, Android. macOS, ChromeOS, Linux
In which situations would Cloud PC be a good solution?
- A short term subcontractor Cloud PC instead of laptop as a cost effective and secure solution
- When client has geographical access requirements, we can have a cloud PC located where the resource may not be located.
- A vendor who requires Alithya network access could be issued a Cloud PC.
- Cloud PCs are joined to Microsoft Entra ID, and fully managed by Microsoft Intune. Just like our physical laptop
- Integrated with Microsoft Intune for advanced threat protection and device management
- Cloud PC disks are encrypted with Azure Storage server-side encryption (SSE)
What tools do I use to access my Cloud PC?
Cloud PCs are accessible from both desktop and mobile operating systems. You can also read the full Microsoft end user access document here.
Which method provides the best performance?
- Least performance > Browser tab
- Best performance > Windows 365 app
How do I login to my Cloud PC?
-
From the Windows App (Preferred):
- From the Web URL (Alternative):
Are there hardware requirements to access my Cloud PC?
To access their Cloud PC, the end-user's hardware must meet certain requirements. These requirements vary depending on which Microsoft Remote Desktop client the end-user installs. Links are provided below. For further information, please refer to Microsoft document here.
How do I transfer files to my Cloud PC?
- Always use OneDrive / Teams / SharePoint when working with Alithya data.
- Clipboard access to Alithya Cloud PCs is disabled for security.
NOTE: This is done via policy on the cloud PCs only. NOT the laptop. Your clipboard will work where this policy is not configured.
Can I reset my Cloud PC?
- On the Cloud PC dashboard, click the 3 dots besides the name and choose Reset.
- A reset takes place immediately and a new Cloud PC is provisioned.
Can I restore my Cloud PC to a previous configuration?
- Snapshots are taken every 12 hours.
- On the Cloud PC dashboard, click the 3 dots besides the name and choose Restore.
How is Cloud PC different from having a VM running on my desktop?
- Cloud PC runs in the Microsoft datacenters and only needs a remote desktop or browser connection. Zero laptop resources.
- A local VM means the host device needs extra resources to run the laptop, and the VM. A local VM is not managed by Alithya unless the user fully enrolls. Cloud PCs are fully controlled by Alithya.
How does Cloud PC interact with my desktop resources (i.e. speakers, headphones, printers)?
- Local devices pass-thru to the cloud PC. We have used cameras and speakers and microphones in Teams meetings.
-
Clipboard access is disabled by policy to prevent data leakage.
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