Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop combines the scale, security and cost benefits of Azure and Microsoft 365 for a secure desktop with powerful flexibility, enabling access to your work environment from virtually anywhere you – or your team – are located. As a leading Azure migration specialist, the team at Focus Group will support and enable your transition to the cloud. So, if you’re ready for digital transformation, we’re here to pave the way.

Talk to an expert

What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop and app virtualisation service that runs securely on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, allowing you to access your work environment remotely and securely – wherever you are.

Desktop and application access can be made possible on any computer - Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or HTML5. By selecting the right Azure virtual machine (VM), you can optimise performance as well as run simultaneous multiple interactive sessions that were earlier, only possible with a Windows Server – all expanding possibilities beyond physical, office-based, desktop screens.

Taking the need for office-based hardware away with immediate effect, this is the perfect solution for your remote working teams. Regardless of the device they’re on, they can access their working environment from wherever they happen to be – facilitating flexible working at the highest level.

What are the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop services?

Reduce costs

Wave goodbye to the costly investment in hardware set ups and server maintenance expenditure. As a cloud-based solution - Microsoft Azure enables you to efficiently develop, manage and scale your applications so you’re only paying for what your business needs. Licensing and infrastructure costs can also be reduced a by using existing eligible Microsoft 365 licenses to access Azure Virtual Desktop, whilst the migration to the cloud will eliminate the cost of setting up (and maintaining) on-premises servers and data centres.

Scalable

Azure Virtual Desktop is agile, completely scalable and ready to support the exacting requirements of your business – whether you’re looking to grow or streamline operations. You can quickly and easily manage the number of users on Azure Virtual Desktop whilst relaxing in the knowledge you won’t end up with outdated hardware.

Secure

The advanced capabilities of Azure Virtual Desktop means it can swiftly manage the migration of information, apps and data - from a virtual environment to local PCs – safely and securely. And since Microsoft automatically rolls out the latest security features, it also ensures that - in terms of IT security - your business is always compliant.

Microsoft Azure remote desktop services

Azure virtual desktop client

One of the many brilliant features of Azure Virtual Desktop is its compatibility. You can quickly connect and access Azure Virtual Desktop resources on devices with operating systems from Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, and Windows 7 to macOS, android and web clients – all using the Azure virtual desktop client.

Embrace digital workplace with remote application streaming

Azure Virtual Desktop delivers accessible technology and remote application streaming to empower your employees with the digital tools they need to use day in and day out – ultimately transforming your business environment into a digital workplace that’s ready to really go places.

Powerful cloud tools for hybrid working

Leverage the power of a seamless Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams experience in the cloud, courtesy of Azure Virtual Desktop, and your team will have all the cloud tools at their fingertips. Flexible, secure, collaborative and an outstanding foundation for unified communications – Azure will put you in firm control of your hybrid working capabilities.

Deploy a fully scalable windows experience

You can quickly and easily deploy a full Windows 10 desktop experience with all your business applications to your users. And since it’s highly scalable, you can also increase or decrease the number of virtual desktops you use as your workforce changes.

Frequently asked questions

What are virtual desktop services?

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers a range of cloud services, including compute, analytics, storage and networking. Users can pick and choose from these services to develop and scale new applications or run existing applications in the cloud.

What licenses do you need for Azure Virtual Desktop?

You can use Azure Virtual Desktop if you have an eligible Windows, Microsoft 365 business or Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licence (CAL).

Does Microsoft Azure run on Windows?

Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solution that allows users to run virtual app and desktop services from the Azure public cloud. Admins deploy the solution through the Azure portal and can leverage a host of operating system options and tools to deliver resources to users.

How does Azure Virtual Desktop work?

Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud computing platform and was formally known as Windows 365.

What is the difference between Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365?

Yes, you can access Azure Virtual Desktop resources on devices with operating systems from Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, and Windows 7.

How do I access Azure Virtual Desktop?

You can login to Azure Virtual Desktop from your own device and access your desktop and applications over the internet using an Azure Virtual Desktop client such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android or HTML5. Once you have access to Azure, you can connect to all the services included in the Azure portal and use these services to create cloud-based resources, such as virtual machines (VM) and databases.

Customer stories

View customer stories

Brighton & Hove Albion

Focus Group is a long-time partner and supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion, helping the team both win off and on the pitch.

Hurstpierpoint College

Focus Group scored top marks with the delivery of a brand new, futureproof telephony system to replace an ageing network.

Liberty Living

Focus Group manages a hosted phone system for this busy accommodation provider, to ensure seamless communication.