Azure Virtual Desktop

Traditional desktop environments tie you to expensive hardware, regular maintenance, and office-based working. When remote access fails or systems break, your team stops working.

At Apex, our Azure Virtual Desktop solution moves your complete desktop, applications, files, and settings to the cloud. Your team works securely from any device, anywhere, whilst you reduce hardware costs and eliminate disruption from hardware failures.

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Virtual desktop infrastructure that solves real problems for growing businesses

The Problem

You know remote working is essential, and hardware costs keep climbing, but your current setup creates more problems than it solves. VPN connections are slow and unreliable, staff can't access the applications they need from home, and you're facing another expensive hardware refresh cycle whilst worrying about data security on local devices.

When traditional on-premise desktops control your infrastructure, remote work becomes a security risk, hardware failures stop your team from working, and maintaining systems across multiple locations drains IT resources you don't have.

The Solution

At Apex, we build your Azure Virtual Desktop environment properly. Your team gets their complete Windows desktop delivered from the cloud, applications work the same way from any device, and data stays secure in Azure rather than on vulnerable local machines.

Cloud-hosted desktops are accessible from any device with internet access

Secure data storage, eliminating risks from lost or stolen devices

Reduced hardware costs without expensive refresh cycles

Centralised management ensuring security and compliance

How Azure Virtual Desktop protects your data and enables flexible working

When your desktop environment runs properly in the cloud, hardware failures don't stop work, remote access becomes seamless, and security improves because data never sits on local devices.

Here's what changes when Apex implements your Azure Virtual Desktop solution.

Work From Anywhere Without VPN Problems

Your team accesses their complete desktop, applications, files, and settings from any device with an internet connection. No more slow VPN connections, no more problems accessing applications remotely, no more being tied to the office. Remote working, hybrid teams, and multiple locations all get the same consistent experience because everything runs in Azure.

Stop Buying Expensive Hardware Every Few Years

Desktop virtualisation eliminates constant hardware refresh cycles. When desktops run in Azure, local devices become simple access points rather than expensive computers that need replacing every three years. You extend hardware life, reduce capital expenditure, and redirect IT budget to business priorities rather than procurement.

Data Security That Actually Works

Data stored in Azure rather than on local devices means lost laptops and stolen computers don't create security breaches. Centralised data storage, multi-factor authentication, and conditional access policies protect your business properly. Regulated sectors get compliance-ready infrastructure that satisfies audit requirements from day one.

Scale Your IT Infrastructure as Your Business Grows

Adding new staff means creating new user accounts, not ordering hardware and waiting for delivery. Removing users when people leave happens in minutes rather than recovering equipment and wiping devices. Your IT infrastructure scales up and down based on actual business needs without procurement delays or wasted equipment.

Eliminate Disruption From Hardware Failures

When traditional computers break, staff stop working until replacements arrive and systems get rebuilt. With Azure Virtual Desktop, hardware failures mean grabbing another device and logging in. Your complete desktop, applications, and files are already there. Work continues without waiting for IT support or losing data.

Business Continuity That Actually Protects You

Continuous backup and disaster recovery built into Azure means systems recover quickly from ransomware attacks, data corruption, or other disasters. When problems happen, desktops and data are restored from tested backups rather than hoping old procedures still work. Services continue with minimal disruption because everything's protected properly.

Central Management Without Site Visits

IT administrators manage all desktops and applications from a single console, regardless of where users work. Security policies apply consistently, software updates deploy to everyone simultaneously, and compliance monitoring covers the entire organisation. No more travelling between sites or managing systems individually.

What our Azure Virtual Desktop Services include

Implementing Azure Virtual Desktop properly means more than creating accounts and hoping staff figure it out. We handle strategy, build, security, ongoing management, and support so your virtual environment works reliably and securely.

Here's what our Azure Virtual Desktop Services include.

Discovery of your current desktop environment, application requirements, and user needs. We identify which applications move to Azure Virtual Desktop, design an architecture that fits your workflow, and plan implementation that minimises disruption.

Service includes:

Current desktop and application assessment
User profile and data migration planning
Azure Virtual Desktop architecture design for your requirements
Network and connectivity requirement analysis
Security and compliance requirement mapping

Complete build of your Azure Virtual Desktop environment based on the Microsoft Azure platform. We configure host pools, create desktop images, migrate user data, and implement security controls properly.

Service includes:

Azure Virtual Desktop infrastructure deployment
Desktop image creation with your applications installed
User profile and file migration to Azure
Multi-factor authentication and conditional access setup
Application compatibility testing and remediation
Minimal-disruption cutover planning and execution

Business applications are configured to work in your cloud desktop environment. We handle modern applications, line-of-business software, and legacy applications that need servers to function properly.

Service includes:

Application packaging and deployment to virtual desktops
Legacy application hosting for server-dependent software
Application performance optimisation in Azure
Database and server application migration to the cloud
User acceptance testing and troubleshooting

Security controls are configured properly for your industry requirements. We implement identity management, access policies, data protection, and monitoring so your Azure Virtual Desktop environment meets regulatory standards.

Service includes:

Azure Active Directory integration and management
Multi-factor authentication for all users
Conditional access policies based on location and device
Data encryption for files and communications
Security monitoring and threat detection
Compliance documentation for regulated sectors

User files, folders, and settings migrated from local devices to secure Azure storage. We ensure data moves without loss, access permissions stay correct, and users find their files in familiar locations.

Service includes:

User file and folder migration to Azure Files or SharePoint
Desktop settings and preferences migration
Shared drives and network storage replacement
Backup configuration for all user data
Recovery testing to verify data protection

Automated backup of virtual desktops, user data, and applications. We configure continuous backup, test recovery procedures regularly, and maintain documentation so you can recover quickly from any incident.

Service includes:

Automated daily backup of desktops and data
Disaster recovery configuration and testing
Point-in-time recovery for deleted or corrupted files
Ransomware protection with isolated backup copies
Documented recovery procedures for critical systems
Business continuity planning and regular testing

Training for staff on accessing and using their Azure Virtual Desktop. We provide clear documentation, hands-on training sessions, and ongoing support so adoption happens smoothly.

Service includes:

User training sessions on accessing virtual desktops
Documentation and quick-start guides
Help with application access and file locations
Support during the rollout and early adoption phase
Champions programme for key users who help colleagues

Continuous monitoring of your Azure Virtual Desktop environment with proactive problem resolution. We track performance, respond to issues, apply updates, and optimise the environment before problems affect users.

Service includes:

Round-the-clock monitoring of Azure Virtual Desktop resources
Proactive alerting and incident response
Performance optimisation and capacity planning
Azure update management and security patching
UK-based support desk with clear escalation procedures
Monthly service reviews and improvement recommendations

Case Study

How We Implemented Azure Virtual Desktop for MFL Insurance Group's Secure Remote Operations

MFL Insurance Group needed to eliminate data security risks from local devices while enabling flexible remote working for their insurance operations. We implemented Azure Virtual Desktop Environment on the Microsoft Azure platform, migrating their complete operational environment, including applications and desktop interfaces, to the cloud. The solution provides secure access from any device, protects sensitive client data with centralized storage, and meets Financial Conduct Authority compliance requirements for their regulated sector.

Eliminated local data security risks.

Implemented Azure Virtual Desktop.

Enabled flexible remote working.

Met FCA compliance requirements.

Trusted by Businesses Across All Sectors

From finance and insurance to healthcare and manufacturing, organisations across Manchester and the North West trust Apex for Azure Virtual Desktop implementation and ongoing support. See some of our partners below.

Why choose Apex Computing for Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop only works if you're dealing with specialists who actually implement and support the environment rather than just setting it up and disappearing.

Here's what makes our approach different.

We've Built This for Regulated Industries

Financial services, insurance, and other regulated sectors need virtual desktop environments designed for compliance from day one. We implemented Azure Virtual Desktop for MFL Insurance Group, facing FCA compliance requirements and data security concerns. Your regulatory requirements are factored into architecture, security, and ongoing management rather than added as an afterthought.

Implementation That Doesn't Disrupt Your Business

We plan rollouts around your operations rather than forcing downtime during business hours. Applications are tested before migration, users receive training before go-live, and support is available when people need help. Phased deployment means learning from early adopters before rolling out company-wide.

Support That Continues After Implementation

Virtual desktop environments need ongoing management, not just initial setup. Our 24/7/365 support means monitoring, performance optimisation, security management, and problem resolution continue long after go-live. You're not left with an environment you don't fully understand and problems nobody fixes.

Honest About What Works and What Doesn't

Azure Virtual Desktop works brilliantly for most users, but it isn't suitable for complex graphical applications like CAD software. We tell you this upfront rather than promising everything works perfectly. Organisations with unreliable internet or field workers in areas with poor connectivity get honest assessments about limitations rather than discovering problems after implementation.

Manchester-Based Team That Understands Your Environment

When problems happen or you need changes, you speak to our Manchester-based team, who built your environment. No offshore call centres reading scripts, no waiting days for responses. You get proper support from specialists who understand both Azure Virtual Desktop and your business requirements.

Clear Reporting Without Technical Jargon

Monthly reports show what we've done, what problems were prevented, system performance, and where improvements can be made. You understand your Azure Virtual Desktop environment without needing technical expertise. When presenting to directors, the reporting makes sense to non-technical people.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Apex Winning Award for IT Support - Manchesters MSP

Need secure cloud desktops that enable flexible working? Apex Computing is ready to help.

Our expert team is on hand to provide personalised support and guidance for your Azure Virtual Desktop implementation. Whether you require complete desktop virtualisation, application migration, secure remote access, or ongoing management and support, we are ready to ensure your cloud desktop environment works reliably and securely for your business.