Desktop as a Service (DaaS): cloud desktops without the operational complexity.
DaaS gives users a full Windows desktop streamed from the cloud, removing endpoint dependency on physical hardware. Microsoft offers two flavours: Azure Virtual Desktop (IT-managed, multi-session, cost-efficient at scale) and Windows 365 Cloud PC (per-user SaaS, simplest to operate). We deploy and operate both depending on the right fit. The result: predictable per-user cost, fast onboarding, secure remote work, simplified endpoint management.
- AVD + W365Both Microsoft DaaS options
- Per-userPredictable cost model
- Any deviceAccess from BYO, corp, or kiosk
- Managed24/7 operations option
Six dimensions of a managed DaaS deployment.
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
IT-managed, multi-session Windows 11 cloud desktops. Most cost-efficient at 50+ user scale. Customisable image and apps. Right answer for contact centres, BPO, shared workstations.
Windows 365 Cloud PC
Per-user SaaS Cloud PC. Single-user dedicated Windows 11. Simplest to operate, fastest to deploy, fixed per-user pricing. Right for individual remote workers, contractors, hybrid staff.
Profile and image management
FSLogix profile containers for AVD multi-session. Roaming profile for Windows 365. Base image management via Shared Image Gallery. App delivery via MSIX App Attach or Intune.
Security and access policies
Entra ID Conditional Access required. Device-compliance enforcement, MFA, geographic restrictions, sign-in risk policies. Defender XDR on cloud desktops. Audit logging.
Cost optimisation
AVD: scaling plans auto-shut idle hosts, reserved instances for steady-state. Windows 365: licensing right-sized to user needs (Basic, Standard, Premium, Enterprise tiers). Monthly FinOps review.
Managed operations
24/7 monitoring, patching, image updates, scaling-plan tuning, profile-container management. Service desk handles end-user DaaS tickets with same SLA as other IT.
Four reasons clients pick us for DaaS.
Right tool for each user group
DaaS is not one product. We pick AVD for cost-efficient shared scenarios, Windows 365 for individual remote workers, Citrix or VMware Horizon where ecosystem reasons justify. Right tool per scenario, not one-size-fits-all.
Microsoft tenant-native
AVD and Windows 365 live in your Azure / M365 tenant. Same identity, same security, same monitoring. No separate platform to operate. Compliance evidence pack inherited from Microsoft.
Regulator-aligned configuration
DFSA, ADGM, DHA-aligned: clipboard restrictions, USB blocking, screen-capture controls, data-loss-prevention policies, audit logging. DaaS is often chosen specifically to meet regulator data-handling expectations.
Cost predictability
DaaS pricing is per-user-per-month plus Azure consumption. We size correctly during scoping so monthly cost is predictable. FinOps review monthly to catch drift. No surprise bills.
Six scenarios where DaaS beats local PCs.
Remote and hybrid workers
Distributed workforce with home offices and BYO devices needing controlled access to corporate apps.
Regulated access
DFSA, ADGM-regulated firms needing controlled-environment access to sensitive data.
Contractor and offshore access
External contractors and offshore teams accessing internal systems through controlled cloud desktops.
M&A integration
Acquired-company users get instant access via DaaS rather than waiting for hardware refresh.
Healthcare clinical workstations
Fast user switching at shared clinical terminals, strict data-controls, EMR access.
Education labs and BYOD students
Universal access to lab software regardless of student device. KHDA-aligned data handling.
Four approaches to cloud desktops.
| Feature | AVD (multi-session) | Windows 365 (single-user) | Citrix DaaS | VMware Horizon (on-prem VDI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Per-user pricing model | Azure consumption + M365 entitlement | Fixed SaaS | Per-user + Azure | CapEx-heavy |
Cost-efficient at 100+ users | Mid | After break-even | ||
Simplest to operate | Mid | Highest | Mid | Lowest |
Customisation depth | High | Mid | High | High |
M365 native integration | Connectors | Connectors | ||
Multi-cloud capability | Azure-only | Azure-only | Azure + AWS + on-prem | On-prem |
UAE region availability | On-prem | |||
Setup timeline | 6-12 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 8-16 weeks | 12-24 weeks |
Four phases from assessment to managed DaaS.
- 1
Assessment and option selection
1-2 weeks
User profile analysis: concurrent user patterns, application intensity, compliance requirements, budget envelope. Output: written DaaS strategy with AVD / Windows 365 mix per user group.
- 2
Foundation deployment
2-4 weeks
AVD landing zone and host pools deployed if applicable; Windows 365 provisioning policies if applicable. Conditional Access, Intune, Defender on cloud desktops. Application packaging.
- 3
Pilot rollout
2 weeks
Pilot user groups for each DaaS option. Friction captured (printer access, USB, peripheral compatibility). Cost validated against the model.
- 4
Full rollout and managed state
2-4 weeks plus ongoing
Full user-base onboarded. Monthly cost and adoption review. Quarterly capacity planning. Image refresh cycles. Hand-off to steady-state managed support.
“We had a mix of remote workers, contractors, and shared contact-centre staff. We deployed Windows 365 for the individual remote workers (instant provisioning, no IT overhead) and AVD for the contact centre (multi-session cost efficiency). Both run in our M365 tenant. We retired 80 ageing laptops that were due for refresh; the DaaS cost is less than the laptop refresh plus on-going management would have been.”
What buyers ask before adopting.
Services that pair with DaaS.
Book a DaaS scoping call and we will return an option-mix proposal in 5 days.
A scoping call covers your user populations, application mix, security requirements, budget envelope. Output: written DaaS proposal with AVD / Windows 365 mix per user group, cost model, timeline.
Related Services
Explore more solutions that work great with this service