DEDICATED CLOUD PC
A Cloud PC for one user
Windows 365 is the simplest way to provide an individual user with a dedicated Cloud PC.
Each user is assigned their own Windows desktop with defined CPU, RAM and storage. That Cloud PC belongs to that user. They sign in with their Microsoft 365 account and access the same desktop each time, whether they are working from the office, home, court or another location.
This is useful where a user needs a separate desktop environment without changing the way the rest of the firm works. For example, Windows 365 may suit an external consultant, a remote worker, a temporary staff member, or a user who needs different applications or access from the rest of the team.
The Cloud PC runs on the same managed network as the firm’s servers and systems where required, so it can be used for server-based applications. It is also useful where the firm does not have servers but wants a consultant or external contractor to work inside a controlled Cloud PC environment, keeping firm systems and data in one managed place rather than on an unmanaged local device.
Innessco configures and manages the Windows 365 Cloud PC, including security settings, application setup, updates, monitoring and support.
WINDOWS 365 VS AVD
Dedicated resources vs shared platform efficiency
Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop both provide Cloud PCs, but they use resources differently.
Windows 365 gives each user a dedicated Cloud PC with fixed CPU, RAM and storage. If a user is reading an email or has stepped away from their computer, the idle resources remain assigned to that user and cannot be reused by someone else.
Azure Virtual Desktop uses shared session hosts. Multiple users can run on the same host, and the available CPU and memory can be used across those active users. This means the platform can use resources more efficiently, which is one of the reasons Azure Virtual Desktop is usually more cost-effective for a full-firm Cloud PC environment.
Azure Virtual Desktop is best suited where the whole firm needs a managed desktop platform designed around shared applications, servers, files, printing, user profiles, security and performance. For firms using server-based practice management systems such as Affinity or Practice Evolve, AVD is usually the preferred model because the desktops, application servers, databases, file storage and print services can be hosted together on the same managed Azure network.
In practical terms: Windows 365 is usually best for specific users. Azure Virtual Desktop is usually best for a full-firm Cloud PC platform.
Best For
- Firms that need a dedicated Cloud PC for one or two specific users
- External consultants, contractors or remote workers using non-firm devices
- Users who need different applications, access or performance from the rest of the firm
- Firms using mostly Managed PCs, but needing Cloud PCs for selected users
- Firms wanting secure access without issuing a fully configured work laptop
- Short-term, transitional or special-purpose roles that need controlled access to firm systems
