ABB enhances global collaboration with Windows 365

Headquartered in Zurich, ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) is a technology company with a global reach and a 130-year history. It operates in the electrification, industrial automation, robotics & drives and power grid sectors. Employing around 105,000 people, ABB is known for its sharp innovative edge and its commitment to sustainable development. The company continually invests in research to develop new technologies and solutions that meet the demands of modern industry and power supply networks.

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Worldwide collaboration with the aid of cutting-edge cloud technology

ABB’s business activities are split into four global segments: Electrification, Process Automation, Motion and Robotics & Discrete Automation. These segments in turn include specific divisions that focus on certain industries and product categories. The ABB Group, with its more than 330 consolidated subsidiaries worldwide, faced the challenge of making remote PCs available to give all its staff a modern, flexible workplace. Its aim was to satisfy the company’s constantly changing security requirements. To master this challenge, ABB went looking for a modern, cloud-capable solution that could be adapted to the new way of working and would simplify global collaboration without neglecting security considerations. The decision was made to work with Microsoft and Microsoft partner Wipro. Together, they are now implementing Windows 365 (Desktop as a Service) in close consultation with the IT managers at ABB. This modern, cloud-based infrastructure will enable ABB to respond flexibly and securely to changing market demands while making global collaboration more efficient. “Our goal is to provide modern workplaces to our people around the globe. This will simplify and encourage collaboration. With Microsoft by our side, we are working very hard to achieve this goal,” said Ivo Hahn, Service Owner Cloud Computing, ABB.

Modern workplaces thanks to cloud PCs

Before Microsoft became its partner, ABB used various technologies from other providers—technologies that were expensive and often security-critical. “We wanted a solution that would complement what we already had,” says Hahn. “We were convinced by Windows 365 not only because of the technical possibilities and the 50% cost reduction, but also because of the intensive support provided for implementation.” In the early stages, weekly meetings gave ABB a forum in which Microsoft could answer all its questions about Windows 365. All key issues were clarified at these meetings, and solutions were found to internal technical problems relating to implementation. “My contacts always made plenty time available,” Hahn stresses. I really liked the intensive support, especially as none of our providers in the past ever provided this kind of service.”

Implementation of Windows 365 and the cloud PC is being accompanied by service provider and Microsoft partner Wipro. The cloud PC gives end users a complete Windows desktop which they can access from anywhere and from any device. It thus meets all the demands placed on a modern workplace. Thanks to personalization of the cloud PC, each user enjoys an individual, user-friendly experience. Another key benefit is superior security. Using the virtual desktop means that the data is always isolated in a single place and never leaves the company.

Secure cloud PCs contribute to sustainability

Deploying virtual PCs has also helped ABB make progress in sustainability. Instead of supplying external staff with ABB laptops, they can now run Windows 365 on their own devices. This reduces the number of devices that are needed and cuts power consumption. In addition, cloud PCs with Windows 365 can be made available anywhere in the world in just a few hours. That simplifies collaboration, automates processes and boosts productivity. “Sustainability, cost efficiency, and productivity gains are the cornerstone of ABB’s philosophy,” said Hahn. “Using Windows 365 lets us reach all these targets and create a future-proof work environment.”

Attractive employer thanks to flexible and inclusive workplaces

The launch of cloud PCs at ABB has been welcomed by the workforce. Staff can now be much more flexible, and the innovative workplace is a statement of intent that makes ABB attractive as an employer. “No one wants to be tied to a given device anymore,” Hahn says. “The cloud PC gives people the freedom to decide where they want to work from.”

Besides flexibility, providing a remote desktop solution also creates an inclusive worldwide work environment that supports staff in the different ways in which they work, in their diversity and in their varying business requirements. The Microsoft tools thus provide an inclusive workplace which guarantees that diversity can be lived out throughout the company.

Towards a future with no more physical PCs

One of the company’s objectives is soon to dispense altogether with physical PCs, and instead to work only with PCs in the cloud. A smartphone app could do the trick, allowing users to work anywhere with Windows 365, without even having to connect to a PC. “I won’t even need to take my laptop. Instead, I will use an app and my smartphone, which I always have with me, and can work with a keyboard and monitor,” Hahn says. “Microsoft is already trying to make that viable.”

Especially for managers who travel a lot and do not want to take their laptop with them, there is huge potential for this kind of app. This trend highlights the vast potential inherent in the use of cloud solutions—a potential ABB and Microsoft are determined to exploit. “What fascinates me about our collaboration with Microsoft is the tremendous potential for innovation that can be rediscovered every day. We have the chance to test new products and features and to make suggestions for improvement that are channeled into ongoing development. Our journey with Microsoft is far from over, and we are thoroughly enjoying it,” said Hahn.