In context: The “thin client” concept is almost as old as computing itself, dating back to the first terminals used to access mainframe computers in early multi-user systems. Today, thin clients are primarily used in the enterprise market to simplify the management of employees and off-site operations – and Microsoft clearly wants a piece of that.

Microsoft announced the Windows 365 Link in November and is now beginning to offer the new device to customers in select markets. Link is the first custom system the company has built specifically to access cloud computing resources within the Windows 365 ecosystem, though third-party manufacturers have been offering similar systems for quite some time.

From a hardware perspective, the Windows 365 Link is a compact, purpose-built device designed to do just one thing: connect users to Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure. It cannot perform any productive tasks without first accessing a Microsoft cloud account. However, Redmond noted that its local processing capabilities are sufficient to handle high-performance video playback during remote meetings.

More than 100 organizations helped Microsoft test the Link through a dedicated preview program, and the company says it has refined the remote computing experience based on that feedback. Setting up the thin client takes only a few minutes with minimal configuration, according to Microsoft. IT professionals can manage the device via the Microsoft Intune platform, while end users can easily access their Windows 365 Cloud PC accounts from remote locations.

The Windows 365 Link has no local storage capabilities, meaning employees cannot save files on the device or launch programs outside their cloud environment. According to Microsoft, the client is secure by design, featuring technologies such as Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module, BitLocker, and Hypervisor Code Integrity – all of which are permanently enabled and cannot be turned off.

Windows 365 Link is now available for purchase in the US, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand, with a suggested retail price of $350 in the US. However, the device is not aimed at traditional consumers. Microsoft recommends that interested buyers contact their Microsoft account representative or purchase through select resellers like Insight Enterprises and SHI International.

While the Windows 365 Link marks Microsoft’s first venture into the thin client hardware market, several OEMs already offer similar “dumb” clients optimized for accessing Windows cloud environments on Azure or other platforms. Moreover, Windows 365 Cloud PC subscriptions can be accessed via a web browser or the Windows App, so enterprise organizations don’t need to rush to deploy thousands of Link devices just yet.