The new remote world we are living in requires us to stay on top of our updates and devices. Two years ago the business landscape looked completely different. Before, March of 2020, workers were working on a corporate network using single corporate-owned devices with on-premise apps and data. Now, many users rely on a mix of corporate and personal devices, blending SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS experiences.
How Microsoft Modernizes the Endpoint Experience:
Protecting Endpoints for Hybrid Work
73% of employees want a flexible work environment, and organizations are recognizing the myriad benefits of a hybrid structure. For hybrid work to work, your organization has to be prepared for the inherent challenges of a new set-up. These may include securing individual personal devices, making sure the user experience is the same for everyone, and updating the devices properly. With Microsoft's leadership capabilities in the cloud, apps and endpoints, management, and security, users have an all-in-one platform to maximize endpoint capabilities. Two of the most powerful resources are Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, where you can shift remote computing to a secure virtual desktop.
Reimagining Your Endpoint Estate
Your endpoints - apps, devices, and operating systems - have become the new workplace. These endpoints allow users to connect to the workplace no matter where they are. Productivity and accessibility have always been core tenets of the modern workplace, but now user experience is key to the success of your endpoint environment. There are some principles you should follow when designing your endpoint infrastructure:
- Foster productivity and collaboration
- Create flexibility for changing work settings and styles
- Unlock business scenarios and use cases
- Security needs to be built in, not bolted on
- Simplify endpoint lifecycle
Endpoint Innovation in 2022
- Operating systems
- One of the best innovations for your operating system is Windows 11. Windows 11 provides a simple and familiar virtual experience, and integrates with common applications like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, etc. The OS is compatible with older versions, and is the most secure system that Microsoft has yet to release.
- Apps
- Microsoft is the leader in productivity and collaboration apps. One of the most popular includes Microsoft Teams, an Office 365 app that has helped millions of businesses collaborate effectively throughout the pandemic and beyond. With Meet Now, a new Teams integration, you can connect with anyone right from the taskbar.
- Devices
- The Surface for Business portfolio is popular among employees for its flexibility. There is also built-in security for every layer, from chip to cloud. This gives users peace of mind wherever they go, knowing that their device is secure. Microsoft's hardware providers are continuing to build new devices to fit industry needs.
- Cloud
- Cloud PC is a new category of endpoint innovation. It delivers a unique interaction between Microsoft Cloud and the end-user. It provides persistent integration, unified security, seamless computing and storage, and in the future the ability to work offline and reconnect and sync when resumed online.
Zero Trust Security Model
Unified managed security includes having a core "zero trust security model", including policy enforcements based on user activity. Proactive remediation with Microsoft Defender and other security tools is included. Configuring your devices will be foundational for your security. Lastly, a single pane of glass will simplify the security of endpoints. If you want to learn more about modernizing your endpoints, contact us at iCorps and request a free consultation.