Your office desktop, from anywhere
A hosted desktop puts your Windows desktop, business software and files on a secure server instead of the PC in front of you. Log in from the office, from home or from a laptop on the road, and it's the same desktop, with the same programs open where you left them.
- Our own platform or Azure Virtual Desktop
- Backed up with immutable copies
- Fully managed
When a hosted desktop makes sense
For a lot of businesses, Microsoft 365 alone is enough. A hosted desktop earns its place when one of these is true:
Your software needs a server
Accounts, practice management, stock or industry software that has to run on Windows and share a database. Hosting it means everyone can use it from anywhere without a server in the office.
Your server is getting old
Instead of buying another box for the cupboard, move the work onto a platform that's maintained, backed up and replaced for you.
Data shouldn't leave the building
On a hosted desktop, files stay on the server. Nothing is stored on a laptop that gets left on a train or a home PC shared with the kids.
People work in different places
Office, home, another site. Everyone gets the same desktop and the same software, and adding a new starter takes minutes rather than a new PC build.
Two platforms, one service
We run hosted desktops on our own infrastructure and on Microsoft's Azure Virtual Desktop. We'll recommend whichever suits your software, your size and your budget, and support it the same way either way.
Octopus 365 hosted desktop
- Hosted on our own infrastructure in the UK
- Two independent internet connections with automatic failover
- A predictable fixed monthly price
- Ideal for small teams sharing one business application
Azure Virtual Desktop
- Runs in Microsoft's cloud, alongside your Microsoft 365
- Scales up and down as your team changes
- A good fit if you already use Azure or need to grow quickly
- Built, secured and managed by us
What's included
- Set-up and migration of your software and data
- Windows updates and application patching
- Daily backups with immutable copies
- 24/7 automated monitoring
- Multi-factor authentication on every login
- Support for your staff during your support hours
- Adding and removing users as your team changes
- Access from Windows, Mac, iPad and thin clients
Backups follow the same approach as the rest of our service. See backup and disaster recovery.
Questions
What's the difference between a hosted desktop and Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 gives you email, Office apps, Teams and file storage in the cloud. A hosted desktop gives you a whole Windows desktop on a server, so it can also run software that won't run in a browser and needs a shared database. Many customers use both together.
What happens if our internet goes down?
You'll need a connection to reach the desktop, so for a business that relies on it we look at your connection too, including a backup line. On our side, the platform has two independent internet connections with automatic failover. See telecoms and internet.
Can we use our existing PCs?
Usually, yes. Because the work happens on the server, older PCs and modest laptops often feel faster on a hosted desktop than running the software locally.
Will our business software work on it?
Most Windows business software does. We check with you, and with your software supplier where needed, before anything moves.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the number of users, the platform and the software you need to run, so we quote after a short conversation about how you work.
Local, and on site when it matters
We're based in Mumbles and come on site across South Wales, from Carmarthen and Llanelli to Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend. See IT support in Swansea or all the areas we cover.
Retire the server in the cupboard
Tell us what software you run and how your team works, and we'll tell you honestly whether a hosted desktop is worth it.