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Microsoft has unveiled a new service that allows companies to have all Windows 10 devices within an organization managed by Microsoft. This concerns Microsoft Managed Desktop, which is only made available to business customers.

Microsoft Managed Desktop (MMD) allows business users to outsource the management and installation of their Windows 10 machines to Microsoft. Users get Windows 10 hardware that is pre-set to what they need. These customers will also receive continuous updates for the security of Windows 10, Office and other patches, among other things. In addition, the service has to take over the general management of the devices, for which the business customer pays a monthly fee per user.

Within this new Microsoft subscription service, devices are replaced every three years. The machines are then simply exchanged, so that the user can continue working immediately. The systems are already configured in advance, the user only has to log in with his or her personal account. There is also security monitoring and 24/7 support.

The exact cost of MMD varies by user and depends on the type of device and the size of the customer, says Silicon Angle. In any case, subscribers will receive the full Microsoft 365 Enterprise package, which combines Windows 10 Enterprise, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security.

However, it is not possible to use the service with every device. This is limited to “qualified devices”, which are currently only Surface computers. PCs from HP Inc, Dell Technologies and other companies will also be part of the program in the coming months.

Availability

There has already been a test with MMD among a small number of customers in the United States and the United Kingdom. The service will now be made available to all business customers in these countries. In early 2019, the service will also be available to customers in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. At the end of 2019, the service will be rolled out further and will undoubtedly be rolled out in the Benelux as well.

Initially, MMD is sold directly by Microsoft. Later, the company also wants to work with partners and resellers.

This news article was automatically translated from Dutch to give Techzine.eu a head start. All news articles after September 1, 2019 are written in native English and NOT translated. All our background stories are written in native English as well. For more information read our launch article.