Shadow Introduces Shadow PC Essential: A Cloud PC for the Masses
While Shadow is better known for its high-end cloud PCs with a dedicated Nvidia GPU, the company is introducing a new tier called Shadow PC Essential. This offering is not targeted towards gamers but rather companies that need a unified work environment.
What is Shadow PC Essential?
With this introduction, Shadow aims to provide an affordable and accessible solution for businesses and organizations that require a cloud-based computing infrastructure. The name "Shadow PC Essential" suggests that it’s the entry-level tier of their cloud PC offerings, designed specifically for non-gaming purposes.
Target Audience: Companies in Need of Unified Work Environment
The primary target audience for Shadow PC Essential is companies that need to provide employees with access to a unified work environment. When a new employee joins an organization, the admin can create a Shadow PC Essential instance and hand out the credentials to the new hire. This allows them to use the company’s apps and services in a controlled environment.
Microsoft Windows 365: A Competitor in the Cloud PC Space
Microsoft also offers cloud PCs for professional needs with its service called Windows 365. The tech giant targets banks, local governments, and other industries that require data security and compliance. However, compared to Microsoft, Shadow’s main advantage comes down to pricing.
Shadow PC Essential Pricing: A Game-Changer?
For $9.99 per month (€9.99 in Europe), companies gain access to a PC that can easily run productivity apps such as Word, Excel, Outlook, accounting or logistics software, etc. This is significantly cheaper than Microsoft’s Windows 365, which starts at $31 per user per month for a CPU with two virtual cores, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
Specifications: Shadow PC Essential vs. Windows 365
Shadow PC Essential comes with an Intel Xeon CPU with four virtual cores (2.5 to 3.1GHz), 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (256GB for now), and Windows 10 Home. If you want to use more demanding apps such as AutoCAD or Photoshop, Shadow recommends switching to other subscription plans with a GPU.
Comparison Chart: Shadow PC Essential vs. Windows 365
| Feature | Shadow PC Essential | Windows 365 |
| — | — | — |
| CPU Cores | 4 virtual cores (2.5-3.1GHz) | 2 virtual cores |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB (256GB for now) | 128GB |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Enterprise |
Fleet Management: A Work in Progress
Shadow is still working on advanced features to make it easier to create images with a preconfigured Windows image for its Enterprise subscription plans. Currently, IT admins have to create a PC in Shadow’s admin panel and then log in to the cloud instance to configure it with their admin tools and MDM service.
Accessibility: Accessing Your Cloud PC from Any Device
End users can connect to their cloud PC using one of Shadow’s official applications or through any web browser. This allows employees to access their work environment from anywhere, on any device, at any time.
Conclusion: Shadow PC Essential – A New Era in Cloud Computing
Shadow PC Essential is a groundbreaking offering that changes the game for businesses and organizations looking for an affordable cloud-based computing infrastructure. With its competitive pricing, robust specifications, and accessibility features, Shadow is poised to revolutionize the way companies work with their employees.
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