Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 enable organizations to take advantage of Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) for end-users.

These are similar solutions but optimized for different use cases. Navigating them can be complex - save money by licensing appropriately for your specific needs!

Similarities of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365:

AVD and Windows 365 share a common ground in functionality and use cases. Both solutions provide remote desktops to users. They are used to empower remote workers with powerful desktops from anywhere. These solutions remain secure because the end-user unmanaged hardware (pc, tablet, phone) is separate from the processing power of the virtual desktops provided to run the user’s applications.

Microsoft requires either a one-year commitment or a significant premium on monthly terms starting in March 2022. Learn more about this change and how to best prepare now!

***Note: Microsoft continues to actively make changes to this new program and release more details. Please connect with Interlink to receive the most up to date information for your specific scenario.***
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Microsoft is Changing CSP Licensing:

Any organization utilizing CSP licensing needs to be aware of Microsoft’s changes, which go into effect in March 2022. Microsoft will be offering Monthly, Annual, and Three-Year subscriptions. All subscription terms will only be able to be canceled or reduced within 72-hours after purchase, and customers will be stuck with license counts until the end of their subscription term.

• Yearly Term: We expect the yearly term to be the most popular. Pricing is similar to what customers are paying today, and most CSP providers already require a one-year term – even when Microsoft allowed for monthly changes.
• Monthly Term: If an organization wishes to retain the ability to decrease seat counts/downgrade licenses at frequent intervals, then they will need to put those seats on a Monthly subscription. However, Microsoft will charge a massive premium for this option of 20%.
• Three-Year Term: The current plan is to only offer three-year terms for a limited set of offerings, including Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365. The potential benefit here is that customers get locked into the pricing for three years to avoid potential future price increases across that term.

CSP Partners, like Interlink, will be able to continue transacting new CSP licenses without these changes until March 2022. We can also work with your organization to take advantage of pricing models, licensing structures, and promotions when applicable. Further promotional pricing details are still to come and will help mitigate Microsoft’s general price increase, which will also occur in March 2022.

Mitigate risk for your environment by identifying the top 10 ransomware infection vectors and how to protect them!
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Ransomware Will Continue to Get Worse

Ransomware is a specific kind of malicious software used by cybercriminals to render data or systems inaccessible for extortion or ransom. In a standard ransomware attack, the cybercriminal achieves unauthorized access to a victim's network and installs the Ransomware in locations that typically have sensitive data. Then, they execute the attack and lock the files on that network – making them inaccessible to the victim until the ransom is paid.

Ransomware is becoming one of the most used cyber-attack methods to exploit your organization's data. Global headlines of increasingly damaging ransomware attacks are becoming more and more common – like the recent Colonial Pipeline attack. Organizations can combat ransomware by using infection vectors to identify the most common points of entry used by attackers. Infection vectors are the method in which a cybercriminal gains access or infiltrates your online network or systems to exploit private information. Once identified, an organization can adjust its security efforts accordingly – mitigating risk and potentially extremely costly ransomware scenarios.

Microsoft Teams Voice is transforming the way end-users work in a hybrid world.

Microsoft Teams Voice is how many organizations are modernizing their communications in a central hub. Teams brings all communications features, including Messaging, Meetings, Calling, and Collaboration, into a single client interface, so your team members can stay productive and collaborate more efficiently from anywhere.

On December 8, Interlink’s Voice experts will provide an in-depth overview of Teams Voice capabilities and how your organization can get the most out of it during this live webinar.

After attending this webinar, you’ll have a good understanding of:

• Teams Phone System Capabilities
• Licensing Options
• Deployment Scenarios
• Best Practices to use Teams Voice Successfully
• Integration Options and Accessories
• And more!

If you are looking to streamline your organization’s communications by enabling end-users with the power of Teams Voice, you’ll not want to miss this webinar. Register today!
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W E B I N A R  D E T A I L S

Date: December 8, 2021
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM ET
Register Here
No Cost to Attend

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P R E S E N T E R S

Matt Scherocman President | Interlink Cloud Advisors

Windows 11 is now available and is optimized for hybrid collaboration, end-user productivity, and security - bringing value and reducing risks to organizations.

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Windows 11 is Now Available

As of October 5, 2021, the free upgrade to Windows 11 began rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs, and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 are available for purchase. Business users are able to treat this like other Windows 10 feature updates. Microsoft expects all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022.

If you have a Windows 10 PC (for home users) eligible for the upgrade, Windows Update will let you know when it's available. You can also check to see if Windows 11 is ready for your device by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. Feature updates for Windows 11 are now changing to annual instead of Windows 10 twice-annual schedule. Windows 10 will still be supported and receive monthly security updates during this transition. Windows 10 will exit support on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 requirements have changed – notably, a TPM 2.0 hard requirement, only 64 Bit OS support, and a minimum of 64 GB storage is needed.