DaaS is Back for Office Server 2022

After what seems like years, it’s finally happened—support for Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) is now officially available for Windows Server 2022 and out of preview.

Learn more in Microsoft’s official guidance:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/endofsupport/windows-server-migration

This change brings new opportunities for hosters, MSPs, and customers alike.

Microsoft has historically restricted Office delivery through complex programs like QMTH (for multi-tenant hosters) and incentives to favor Azure hosting. While understandable—Microsoft aims to control customer experience and protect revenue—this strategy has often caused dissatisfaction. It has opened the door for alternative platforms like Google Workspace and forced partners to work around licensing limitations, sometimes at the expense of the customer experience.

The Kicker: Cost

Previously, MSPs and hosting providers needed to license the more expensive SPLA version of Office in order to deliver Office over RDS. With this change—and further licensing updates stemming from European cloud competition inquiries—M365 Apps now becomes a viable, cost-effective option for delivering Office in hosted environments.

So, what’s next?

For Hosting Companies

Now is a strategic time to reinvest in your desktop hosting business, especially in the wake of growing demand for remote work solutions. The need for reliable, secure, and flexible access has never been greater.

By offering modern hosted desktops powered by Server 2022 and M365 Apps, you position your business to deliver scalable, resilient, and cost-effective solutions. This includes access to the latest collaboration tools—ensuring your customers receive a complete, modern desktop experience.

For MSPs

With the shift toward full outsourcing and virtualized infrastructure, not every employee needs a full desktop stack. As more organizations embrace hybrid and remote work, it’s important to help customers make smart decisions—especially regarding security, given the rise in ransomware and targeted attacks.

MSPs now have the opportunity to deliver modern, secure, and flexible remote desktops with full Office integration. With your expertise, clients can adopt infrastructure that not only supports productivity, but also protects their operations against current threats.

For Customers

When you partner with an MSP or hosting provider, you gain the advantages of both personalized local support and access to cutting-edge tools and platforms. Through this partnership, your business can leverage the full suite of Microsoft Office and collaboration tools—without the need for expensive internal infrastructure.

This model allows you to remain focused on your core business while your provider handles all aspects of your IT: from licensing and provisioning to backups, monitoring, and security. With continuous access to the latest Microsoft technologies, your environment stays current, compliant, and ready to meet modern demands.

Working with Atria

Deliver the most modern DaaS experience using M365, Windows Server 2022, and Atria.

Atria allows your customers to self-serve—creating, updating, and deleting users with ease, while maintaining fine-grained access control.

Your helpdesk can operate at top speed through a unified, streamlined interface to manage all your customers, users, access rights, and desktop provisioning—through one simple UI.

Let your DaaS offering reach its full potential with Atria. Learn more here.