Sound Familiar?
Five Signs Your Desktops Need to Move to the Cloud
Forty contractors start next month, laptops take weeks to arrive and company files already sit on home computers. A cloud virtual desktop gives each user a company Windows desktop that runs in the cloud and opens from a browser or app, so the data stays off the device. Signisys, an IT services company in Noida, helps businesses across Delhi NCR and India plan and run cloud virtual desktops on Azure and AWS.
Where It Applies
Six Desktop Problems and What Fixes Them
Find the problem closest to yours, what it puts at risk and what fixes it.
The Risk
Company data left behind after a contract.
What Reduces It
Cloud desktops with access removed on exit.
The Risk
Data lost with a stolen or shared device.
What Reduces It
Copy and download rules on the desktop.
The Risk
Hardware bought again for peak use.
What Reduces It
Cloud desktops scaled to real sign-ins.
The Risk
Cloud bills for desktops nobody uses.
What Reduces It
Scaling schedules and monthly cost reviews.
The Risk
Lost time and files copied to laptops.
What Reduces It
Desktops in the same location as the data.
The Risk
Two setups managed in two different ways.
What Reduces It
One standard for desktops and devices.
Why Now
When Cloud Virtual Desktops Make Sense
Four moments when moving desktops to the cloud deserves a decision.
A Large Group of Contractors Joins
They need access within days, and buying laptops for a short project costs more than the project can carry.
The Desktop Server Renewal Comes Due
Replacing on-premises desktop hardware raises the question of whether to own it at all.
A Merger Brings in a New Team
New colleagues need your applications on day one, before their devices join your systems.
An Audit Asks Where Company Data Lives
Auditors or customers want to know which devices hold company files, and the honest answer is unclear.
The Outcomes
What Changes With a Cloud Virtual Desktop
Five changes to look for once desktops run in the cloud, and how to check each one.
Our Approach
How We’d Set Up Your Cloud Virtual Desktops
We start with your user groups, applications and licenses, build a pilot for one team and add groups in stages.
Assess
Map Users, Applications and Licenses We group users by how they work, list the applications each group needs and check which of your Microsoft licenses include cloud desktop use.
You receive User groups matched to desktop options. The Virtual Desktop Review covers this step.
Plan
Choose the Platform and Design We help choose between Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces for each group, and plan sign-in, profiles, network and security rules.
You receive A design with platform, desktop types and a monthly cost per group.
Implement
Pilot, Then Roll Out by Group We help set up desktops for one team with their real applications, measure the experience and then add teams in stages.
You receive Desktops in use, with old hardware retired as each group moves.
Govern
Set Access and Data Rules We help set who gets which desktop, how access is removed and which copy, download and print rules apply.
You receive Access and data rules with named owners.
Optimize and Manage
Keep Desktops Right-Sized Where ongoing support is agreed, we tune scaling schedules, update the standard desktop setup and report on cost and use.
You receive Desktop cost and use reports on an agreed schedule.
Want to understand how we deliver? Explore our Technology Delivery Methodology
Services
Services to Plan, Implement and Support Your Environment
The services behind the approach. Engagements include only what you need.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your goals and we will recommend the right mix of services for your business.
How It All Works Together
How a Cloud Virtual Desktop Works
Users sign in once and reach a company desktop that runs in the cloud, next to the applications and data. Only the screen travels to their device.
One Desktop Standard
- User groups, desktop types, licenses, data rules and scaling, agreed with your IT lead and security owner.
- Reviewed when a large group joins or leaves and each year.
Check Your Desktops
Users and Devices
Staff and contractors on laptops, home computers or tablets.
Sign in through
Company Sign-In
One company login with multi-factor sign-in.
Opens
Cloud Desktops
Personal or shared Windows desktops, scaled to the number signed in.
Reach
Applications and Data
Business applications and files in the same cloud location.
Use and cost reports update scaling schedules and the desktop standard
A Contract Ends
A contractor or employee leaves the business.
Access removed
The Desktop Is Closed
Sign-in is blocked, and with copy and download rules in place, company data stays in the cloud.
Works With What You Have
- On Azure Virtual Desktop, uses eligible Microsoft 365 or Windows licenses you already hold.
- Keeps managed laptops for users who are better served by them.
Security and Governance
- Multi-factor sign-in for every user.
- Copy, download and print rules by group.
- Access removed on the last working day.
What Is Covered
- Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces.
- Sign-in, profiles, desktop images, network and cost controls.
Solutions
Solutions That Support Your Business Objectives
The solutions that address the gaps above.
Identity and Access Management
For sign-in: one company login and fast access removal.
Technologies
Tools Behind Cloud Virtual Desktops
Each part below covers one job in running cloud desktops, from the standard to the cost report. If a tool you already pay for covers a part, we use it first.
Your First Step
Start with a Virtual Desktop Review
We look at your user groups, applications, licenses and current desktop setup, and show which groups suit a cloud virtual desktop. Nothing is changed during the review. You get user groups matched to desktop options, a recommended platform and design, and a monthly cost estimate for each group. The findings are yours to keep.
- We walk you through the findings on a call.
- Then it’s your decision, with no obligation to go further.
Scope
- User groups, devices and applications
- Current desktop and remote access setup
You Provide
- A list of user groups and their apps
- Your Microsoft licensing summary
- Time with your end-user computing lead
You Receive
- User groups matched to desktop options
- A recommended platform and design
- A monthly cost estimate per user group
Cost and Timing
- No charge, with a fixed scope
- Timing depends on the number of users and applications involved, so talk to us
Keep Reading
Explore Insights and Resources
FAQs
Cloud Virtual Desktops: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cloud virtual desktop?
A cloud virtual desktop is a company Windows desktop that runs in a cloud data center. Users open it from a browser or app on a laptop, home computer or tablet, and the applications and files stay in the cloud.
What is the difference between Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces?
Azure Virtual Desktop runs on Azure and suits businesses that already hold eligible Microsoft licenses. Amazon WorkSpaces runs on AWS and offers Windows or Linux desktops. The review compares both for your users, licenses and applications.
Which licenses do users need for Azure Virtual Desktop?
Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop licensing guide lists eligible licenses for Windows desktops, including Microsoft 365 E3, E5, F3 and Business Premium, and Windows Enterprise E3 and E5. Desktops on Windows Server need Remote Desktop Services client access licenses with Software Assurance, or Remote Desktop Services user subscription licenses.
Do contractors need their own license?
Yes. Microsoft treats contractors who work for your business as internal users, so each one needs an eligible license. A license assigned in their own company’s Microsoft account, called a tenant, generally does not cover your desktops, so Microsoft recommends assigning one in your tenant.
What is the difference between a personal and a shared desktop?
A personal desktop belongs to one user and keeps their settings and files, like an assigned laptop. A shared desktop gives several users a fresh session from a common setup, which can cost less per user and suits staff who share the same applications.
Is a cloud virtual desktop secure for contractors?
It can be safer than a laptop. Data stays in the cloud, copying and printing can be blocked by group and access is removed the day a contract ends. Multi-factor sign-in protects every login.
Can users work from personal devices?
Yes. The desktop opens in a browser or app, so a home computer or tablet can be used, and copy and download rules keep company files off it. Our Secure Remote and Hybrid Workforces use case covers the wider device and sign-in rules.
Will users notice a difference in speed?
For office work, applications can run faster because they sit next to the data. Video calls and graphics-heavy tools need the right settings and hardware, which the pilot tests with real users.
Can design and engineering software run on a cloud desktop?
Yes, on desktops with a graphics card. These cost more than standard desktops, so they go only to the people who need them. The pilot checks each tool before rollout.
How is Amazon WorkSpaces billed?
Amazon WorkSpaces offers monthly or hourly billing, as AWS’s Amazon WorkSpaces guide explains. In our experience, monthly billing suits full-time users and hourly billing suits people who sign in a few days a month.
How do we keep cloud desktop costs under control?
Size for peak sign-ins, not headcount, scale shared desktops down out of hours, match billing to how frequently each user signs in and review the bill each month. Our Cloud Cost Optimization and FinOps solution covers wider cloud spend.
Do cloud desktops work with our existing sign-in?
Yes. Both platforms connect to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID, so users sign in with their company account and multi-factor sign-in.
What happens to user profiles and files?
Profiles and files are kept in cloud storage linked to each user, so settings follow them to any desktop. Backups are planned for the files that matter.
Who should not move to a cloud virtual desktop?
Cloud desktops do not suit users who work offline, travel without a steady connection or are well served by a managed laptop. We recommend cloud desktops only for groups where they save money or reduce risk.
How long does a rollout take?
It depends on the number of user groups and applications. A pilot with one team comes first, and other groups follow in stages once the pilot users sign off.
How is this different from secure remote access?
Secure remote access lets people reach company applications from their own devices. A cloud virtual desktop gives them a complete company desktop, so no applications or files need to live on the device. Our Secure Remote Access to Business Applications use case covers the first approach.
Which platforms do you work with?
We work with Microsoft and AWS as a Technology Partner, delivering cloud virtual desktops on Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces.
What happens in the Virtual Desktop Review, and what does it need?
The Virtual Desktop Review looks at your user groups, applications, licenses and current desktop setup, and shows which groups suit a cloud virtual desktop. It needs a list of user groups and their applications, your Microsoft licensing summary and time with your IT lead. We walk you through the findings on a call. Signisys is based in Noida and works with businesses in Delhi NCR and across India; book through this page or call +91 7669 966 966. A Signisys specialist responds within 1 business day, and there is no obligation to go further.
Discuss a Project
Give Users Secure Desktops
A free review matches your user groups to the right cloud desktop and estimates the monthly cost for each.
What happens next?
- We Get in TouchA technology specialist contacts you within 1 business day.
- We Understand Your NeedsWe arrange a 60-minute discovery session to understand your requirements.
- We Assess Your EnvironmentWe evaluate your needs, identify opportunities and recommend the right approach.
- We Define the Way ForwardWe present a tailored proposal with clear scope, deliverables and expected outcomes.
Existing Clients
Already Working with Signisys?
For questions about an ongoing engagement, contact your Signisys account team, or reach us directly by phone or email.
What happens next?
- We Acknowledge Your RequestYour account team responds within 1 business day.
- We Establish OwnershipWe understand your requirement and connect you with the right team.
- We Work on Your RequestThe relevant specialist coordinates with you to address your requirement.
- We Ensure ClosureWe follow through, confirm resolution and keep you informed.
Call Us
+91 7669 966 966Email Us
connect@signisys.comResponse within 1 business day
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