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Workplace / Overview
DIGITAL CLOUD / Workplace

Cloud Desktop

Provide a consistent workspace for remote and hybrid teams. Compare desktop options against applications, user needs and operating costs.

Plan your solution
01
Cloud Desktop

Understanding the solution

A cloud desktop makes a Windows working environment available remotely. The choice between Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop depends on working patterns, application dependencies and operational ownership. Digital Cloud can compare both against a representative user group before an agreed deployment.

A cloud desktop separates the user’s working environment from the physical endpoint. The design must balance access, application compatibility, user experience and the effort needed to operate the service.

Capabilities and scope

Windows 365 provisioning

Windows 365 Enterprise provides a personal Cloud PC through license assignment and provisioning policies, with management in Microsoft Intune. Review image choice, device configuration and onboarding steps for each role.

Azure Virtual Desktop flexibility

AVD supports personal desktops, pooled multi-session host pools and individual RemoteApp delivery. Host sizing, images, profiles, scaling and session-host maintenance need explicit design and operational owners.

Identity, networks and cost

Check Microsoft Entra ID or hybrid identity requirements, access to internal systems, latency and peripheral redirection. Compare Windows 365 subscription configurations with AVD compute, storage, networking, licensing and management costs.

Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop?
Decision areaWindows 365Azure Virtual Desktop
Desktop modelManaged Cloud PCs; assignment and sharing options depend on the edition.Personal or pooled desktops, with full desktops or individual RemoteApp applications.
OperationsPlan provisioning, applications and device policies for the chosen Windows 365 edition.Plan host pools, session images, capacity, networking and monitoring.
Cost planningReview Cloud PC licenses, application licenses and relevant network costs.Review Azure compute, storage, networking and eligible user licensing.
A practical example

A contractor needs a dedicated environment while a shift team shares pooled capacity. Test the business application and simultaneous demand before deciding whether one platform or a mixed approach fits.

What your project can deliver

  • User-persona and desktop-model comparison
  • Application, printing and connectivity test matrix
  • Architecture recommendation and cost assumptions

The final deliverables, licensing and responsibilities are agreed for your environment before implementation.

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Requirements and considerations

List applications, peripherals, users and connectivity conditions. Test representative workloads and confirm licenses, capacity, authentication and recovery needs before selecting a desktop approach.

Cloud Desktop

Project priorities

  1. Desktop choice

  2. Application testing

  3. User provisioning

We begin with a conversation about the task, the people involved and the systems already in place. Together we identify what a useful result would look like and which dependencies need attention first. The agreed proposal sets the delivery boundaries, responsibilities and acceptance criteria.

Your engagement

How Digital Cloud can help

Scope and outcomes
Project phaseWhat happens
01Define the designTranslate the requirements into a practical design. Confirm product choices, interfaces, permissions and the responsibilities needed to operate the solution.
02Deliver in stagesConfigure or implement the agreed scope, test representative workflows and resolve material issues. Plan user communication and any controlled transition from existing systems.
03Prepare for ongoing operationConfirm acceptance, document the relevant configuration and prepare the people responsible for daily use. Define maintenance and support arrangements before handover.
Scope and outcomes
Cloud Desktop

Questions before you start

Will every Windows application work?

Compatibility must be tested, especially multi-user behavior, add-ins, licensing, graphics and attached devices. A successful desktop login alone does not validate the working environment.

What determines the cost and schedule?

The starting environment, integrations, user groups and agreed outputs determine the effort. We confirm scope and commercial terms before work begins. Software licenses, infrastructure consumption and ongoing support may be separate items.

What will we receive?

The proposal identifies the deliverables: these may include findings, a prioritized roadmap, a tested configuration, a prototype, documentation or training. We agree what is included and how completion will be assessed.

Can this work with our existing systems?

We review the actual applications, data sources and access requirements before recommending an integration. Dependencies and compatibility limits are recorded so the delivery plan reflects your environment.

What happens after the initial work?

You can use the findings to guide your own team or discuss a follow-on phase. Any maintenance, monitoring or support includes separately agreed service hours, responsibilities and response targets.

Product documentationMicrosoft Learn ↗