Advisor Desktop Service FAQs
What support is included with our service?
We become your outsourced IT Department for your virtual desktop users. We include remote help and questions for employees from 8 am to 5 pm, M-F, not including holidays; remote IT status meetings for feedback, budgeting & recommendations as required; Microsoft 365 and Azure management and updates; computer and technology quoting and consulting; and tech vendor questions pertaining to software, printers, phones, local network equipment, firewalls, and more.
What are Virtual Desktops?
A Virtual Desktop is a unique cloud PC, created for one employee. Upon logon, it appears like any other PC, with the user’s applications, data, and customizations all available. The employee’s desktop in the cloud always remains the same, regardless of what “end point” the employee uses to remote on to it and it is always backed up. This makes them great for work-from-home and road warrior users and for those who simply want to keep their personal computers separated from their work computer in the cloud. The employee simply double-clicks an icon on their end point and is immediately logged on to their desktop in the cloud.
What are the two types of Virtual Desktops we configure and manage?
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops (AVD) and Microsoft Windows 365 Virtual Desktops (W365)
How do we decide between AVD or W365?
We work with you to determine what will make the most sense for your business's needs.
Can you work within the confines of our financial partners' requirements (LPL, Schwab, Vanguard, Commonwealth, Cetera, FINRA, etc.)?
Yes, we make sure that your environment is in-line with the requirements of your financial partner.
Are backups included?
Yes, your company’s cloud environment, including all data, is securely backed up nightly.
Is Microsoft 365 included, with its associated apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)?
Yes, Microsoft 365 is included for each included employee. If you are currently paying for Microsoft 365, the amount that you are currently paying will no longer be required. A Microsoft 365 license can be used on up to five devices (PCs, laptops, Macs, smart phones) per user, but only one of those licenses has to be used on the user’s virtual desktop. Microsoft 365 includes Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive for Business, Teams, and more.
Does each computer-user employee have to have a virtual desktop?
We work with you to determine what works best for your firm.