Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure is basically a collection of servers in the cloud which allows you to 100% work from anywhere.

These servers can be switched on and off during the day to save costs. For example we have one client who have 3 machines on permanently and more machines come up for use at peak times e.g. at 8am ten more machines come up ready for use and at 6pm ten go down. This allows for cost savings, as hosts that are not switched on are not billed for.

We use templates that the machines replicate so the “environment” is the same every time for the users. Each member of staff has their own profile. All the profiles are saved on a high-performance file server so there’s no lag.

It’s not straightforward and it is definitely not something we recommend a client could do for themselves. They take planning and preparation and perhaps even a few sleepless nights!

Remote workers are empowered to work just as efficiently at home as they did in the office. It all looks and functions exactly the same. No complicated set up arrangements to navigate every time, no frustrating technical issues to deal with. They can instantly access all the tools and customized applications used by the office based staff. It saves them hours in liaison and helps them to work efficiently.

Yes! We look after outside patching and security and Microsoft look after all the hardware. Azure is so reliable, efficient and empowering; we should be shouting from the rooftops about it!

It’s difficult to price, there isn’t a set price per user. It’s bespoke to the client depending on numbers of users, what server applications they run, whether any users need dedicated virtual machines or whether all users share resources, how many backup images you need to be able to restore from etc. It needs consultation and advice to get right. It’s certainly not something clients would want to organize themselves.

The major benefit is savings on PCs. When it comes to replacing PCs they can be replaced with a far lower spec, cheaper options. They are also huge benefits for homeworkers, particularly those who live in remote areas with poor internet connection or speed issues. Azure means they can work on their profile through slower internet connections, even their mobile phone connection.

The monthly costs are fixed, they will only increase or decrease as your staff fluctuate. There are no infrastructure costs, that’s all provided by Microsoft so it’s great from a cash flow and budgeting perspective.

Clients still need to subscribe to Peta to manage the machines provided by Azure but there are significant hardware savings.

Clients who already have fairly low spec or aging PCs could move to Azure and we would wipe the PCs and get them working like new again.

Companies with physical servers coming to the end of their term could go with Azure and save the cost of replacing them.

No, it just depends on how much they need or value IT and data, how much they use IT within their business and if they want their staff to work more efficiently.