Microsoft Lost In The Clouds?

There have been thousands of discussions about Microsoft and how it loses the edge and market share. And about The Cloud - how important is the strategy of migrating services and applications from personal computers and local area networks to the Internet.

So here is my idea. Microsoft should start selling PCs.

What? You will ask. PCs? Software company selling hardware?

Well... Not exactly hardware. I mean selling personal computers as a service.

For $20 a month. A Windows 7 desktop hosted in Microsoft data center, with all applications, including Office Suite, fully configured. They have all they needed. The effective and proven Remote Desktop protocol. The needed licenses for Windows and Office (of course!). The server infrastructure.

Just make the client applications available on any platform. For Androids, iPads, Flash and so on. And make a complete product. With storage space plans, applications, security and support the client front end on anything that has screen and can connect to the Internet.

I would buy such "PC as a service" instantly. I have several machines at home, and it is a trouble maintaining them. Taking care of the physical machines and connectivity. Configuring all those VPNs, securing firewalls, keeping the files backed up and in sync.

PC as a service, a private, but hosted machine, accessible from any connected location, from any device would be appealing to many. Not having to worry about the risk of losing personal data. Having access to ONE universal desktop from any location. Not worrying about the hardware, the maintenance, the upgrades, the physical heat and noise.

The idea is very simple. Of course there are many companies today, who could offer such service. Or may be even are offering it now. But Microsoft itself seems to be the most natural fit. They have everything in place. Just turn the key and start!