Another Free Win7 Life Extension
By now, everybody knows that Windows 7 End of Life (EOL) comes January 14, 2020. Afterward, organizations and companies need extended security updates to keep the old OS alive. Until now, that’s been an expensive proposition. But in the past few days, Microsoft has let slip information about a possible alternative. It’s called Windows Virtual Desktop, and it’s delivered via Azure. It extends a range of interesting possibilities to customers for Microsoft 365 E3, E5, or F1 or Windows E3 or E5. Those licensees can use existing licenses and systems for virtualization. Hidden amidst those capabilities is a free, if virtual, Win7 life extension.
I’ve taken visual license from the MS original, but there’s no doubt that this Win7 life extension will be perceived as a money-saver by many.
[Click image for full-sized view.]
Why Grant Another Free Win7 Life Extension
MS knows that there are still too many Win7 licenses in commercial use for all to migrate before 1/15/2020. The Windows Virtual Desktop gives organizations another, more affordable option as compared to outright purchase of extended support. It’s also a great opportunity for the company to switch licensees over to the aforementioned list of Microsoft 365 and Windows licensing options.
For organizations agonizing over this impending added cost burden, this could be a life-saver. It’s a pretty darned inspired move, in fact. And it helps make sense of why the OS group is now an arm of the Azure division. Looks like virtualization really does rule the MS world. And now, it looks like that org structure is ready to bear interesting and valuable fruit.
Don’t get too excited just yet, though. The recent MS announcement says a preview is coming, but isn’t ready right now. You can fill out a request form to be notified when the Microsoft Virtual Desktop preview becomes publicly available. I’m expecting a huge response. I bet Microsoft is, too.