The idea of a “thin client” PC, a device that has limited hardware capabilities and is reliant on a cloud connection, is not a new. In fact, the thin client concept has been around since the 1990s. Terminals and mainframe computers from the 1960s and 1970s were based on a similar principle, insofar that the “window” (i.e. the monitor) was just a portal to a much larger computer – most likely a truck-sized on in another room. The “computer” was invisible to the user.
Microsoft announced that it’s launching a new version of the thin client – Microsoft 365 Link. They dub this a “cloud PC.” It’s a $349 thin client with a to-be-named Intel processor, 8 GB of RAM, no fans, and the ability to run two 4k displays. Its design is generic and unassuming which is kind of the point.
This is aimed at businesses and the pitch is that because Windows isn’t running locally it’s more secure than a traditional PC. IT teams would no doubt have an easier time managing this than local hardware, and its deployment makes sense for call centres, IT help desks, and store kiosks.
Microsoft was clear in its blog post that this won’t be the only version of this device. Its OER partners will be following suit with similar Cloud PCs.
This move is not at all surprising given Microsoft’s transition to a cloud services company. There are long-standing security issues with Windows, so taking a cloud-first approach with Windows will no doubt be welcomed by enterprise clients. In the post-COVID era, hybrid work is more common. Being able to supply employees with a secure and inexpensive device they can use in the office and home would greatly reduce costs. For corporate environments that employ a hot desk or “desk hoteling” model, thin clients might be preferable. Rather than have employees fiddle with connecting their work-assigned laptop to a desk with external display, a Link-365 station can be set up once. Users just have to login.
I can also see higher education adopting these devices. Computer labs and library computer commons desktops have at least twice the up-front cost. Based on personal experience, the promise of instant-on clients that don’t take forever to log into with my work account is preferable.
Link-365 demonstrates Microsoft’s starkly different approach to micro-computing than Apple. In October, Apple released a redesigned version of its Mac mini desktop – powered by the new M4 chip. The Mac mini is the complete opposite. Apple is all-in on local hardware and on-device AI-capabilities with Apple Intelligence, with no rumours of a thin client on the horizon. Link isn’t really a competitor to the Mac mini, since it’s not intended to function as a workhorse for creatives… but maybe it can? If you can play Xbox games via cloud streaming, presumably one could do video and audio editing through a client – given a fast enough connection. Latency is the biggest downside to client computing, so I’ll be curious to see what magic Microsoft implements to make the experience seamless.
While I’m partial to local hardware as a tinkerer of computers, it’s hard to overstate the cost savings. Historically, thin clients are slow. But, with better bandwidth available to people Microsoft might finally be able to advance the “Windows as a service “ business it began with the launch of Windows 11.
Erik Christiansen 
Leave a comment