Following Microsoft’s announcement of the Microsoft 365 Link, a locked-down purpose-built device for streaming Cloud PCs, you might be evaluating this product for your enterprise. And what if the printing of labels, invoices and other documents remains a key aspect of your business?
Enter the ezeep Hub, a small device designed to ensure printer connectivity for Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Together, the Microsoft 365 Link and ezeep Hub deliver an unparalleled, zero-trust experience for businesses, boosting productivity, security, IT efficiency, and sustainability.
For companies seeking to modernize their workplaces, these two solutions offer a perfect combination. Find out here how they work together to optimize the way organizations operate.
Quick Catch Up: What is Microsoft 365 Link?
The Microsoft 365 Link is Microsoft’s first device designed exclusively for Windows 365 Cloud PCs. This lightweight, compact device connects users to their Cloud PC in seconds, offering a responsive and seamless experience for desk-based work. With features like dual 4K monitor support, local processing for high-fidelity conferencing, and passwordless sign-in through Microsoft Entra ID, it’s an ideal solution for modern workplaces aiming to enhance productivity, security, and sustainability.
4 Reasons Why Microsoft 365 Link and the ezeep Hub is the Perfect Solution for Modern Enterprises with Critical Print Workflows
1. Boosting Productivity for Windows 365 Cloud PC Users
The Microsoft 365 Link dramatically improves user productivity by enabling seamless access to Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Its near-instant boot times, simplified sign-in process, and superior peripheral compatibility ensure users can dive straight into their work. Additionally, it combines cloud streaming with local processing power, making it ideal for high-performance tasks such as video playback or video conferencing.
The ezeep Hub complements this by solving a critical peripheral challenge not addressed in Microsoft’s announcement: printer connectivity. The ezeep Hub ensures that network and local printers appear directly in Cloud PC sessions. Users can self-serve their desired printers and print with their preferred settings —grayscale, duplex, or specific trays—just as they would on traditional systems, making sure that critical print-related workflows can also be maintained.
2. Enhancing Security Without Compromise
Security is at the core of the Microsoft 365 Link, which features a locked-down operating system with no local apps, admin access, or data storage. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes vulnerabilities.
But on such a locked down device, how do we handle printer connectivity while sticking to this secure-first strategy? The ezeep Hub shares this philosophy by acting as a locked-down IoT device that securely connects printers to the session in the Microsoft 365 Link. It does not require inbound connections and there’s no need to introduce risky configurations using VPNs or vulnerable print servers to link printers, which only add more attack vectors to the mix. The ezeep Hub plugs into the network and integrates seamlessly, keeping the entire system secure while enabling full printer functionality. It is also the easiest way to enable secure Pull Printing for your workplace – just plug in one of our ezeep cards reader into the Hub and you are ready to go with any printer and card in your pocket.
Free Whitepaper on Zero Trust Printing with the ezeep Hub
This E-Book (PDF) helps you to improve security in your print environment and discusses the advantages of Zero Trust.
3. Increasing IT Efficiency
Both solutions prioritize IT simplicity. The Microsoft 365 Link is managed through Microsoft Intune, allowing administrators to oversee devices with minimal overhead. Its compact design means it’s easy to ship, set up, and maintain.
The ezeep Hub operates on similar principles. It’s a plug-and-play device that eliminates the traditional hassles of printer setups—no hunting for IP addresses, managing printer drivers, or configuring complex print servers. IT admins can simply connect the ezeep Hub to the network, and it automatically detects printers found. Then it is just a matter of clicks needed in the web app to link printers to the Cloud PC. The result? Dramatic time savings and reduced administrative workloads. Its compact design means you can also ship the Hub to different workplaces and locations, and all it needs is for someone to plug it into the network, as the Hub can be claimed over the cloud and managed remotely.
4. Advancing Sustainability
Achieving your sustainability goals is something you can do better with both the Microsoft 365 Link and ezeep Hub. The Microsoft 365 Link is crafted with recycled materials, features low energy consumption, and has no moving parts, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional desktops.
Similarly, the ezeep Hub is a compact device with no moving parts, consuming minimal energy compared to legacy print servers or always-on PCs. Moreover, ezeep takes sustainability a step further by compensating CO2 emissions from all printed jobs through a partnership with Justdiggit. IT admins can also enforce sustainability measures such as grayscale printing, duplex printing, and tray-specific settings to align with their green initiatives.
The ezeep Hub and Microsoft 365 Link – A Game-Changer for the Modern Workplace
The combination of the Microsoft 365 Link and ezeep Hub is a true breakthrough for the modern workplace. By addressing key challenges such as endpoint security, print workflows, and IT efficiency, these solutions create a cloud-powered ecosystem that simplifies daily operations while advancing sustainability goals.
The Microsoft 365 Link will be available for purchase starting April 2025, offering businesses a chance to reimagine their IT infrastructure. The ezeep Hub, however, is already available and ready to transform your Cloud PC printing experience today. Visit our website today for a free rental trial of the ezeep Hub and start testing it in your own environment.