Online Workplace - Everything You Need to Know
A complete guide to online workplaces: what is it, what does it cost, and is it suitable for your business? All answers in this article.
More and more SME businesses are switching to an online workplace. But what exactly is it? What are the advantages and disadvantages? And is it suitable for your business?
What is an online workplace?
An online workplace is a complete digital work environment that you access via the internet. Instead of programmes and files being on your own computer, they run in a secure data centre.
| Name | Means the same thing |
|---|---|
| Hosted desktop | Yes |
| Desktop as a Service (DaaS) | Yes |
| Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) | Yes |
| Cloud desktop | Yes |
| Windows 365 Cloud PC | Microsoft variant |
How does an online workplace work?
Servers run your environment
Your Windows environment runs in a professional data centre
You connect via the internet
Laptop, tablet or phone - it doesn't matter
Your screen shows what's happening
As if you're working locally, but computing power from the data centre
Input is forwarded
Keyboard and mouse send commands to the server
Benefits of an online workplace
99.9%
uptime
in professional data centre
0
data on laptop
nothing to steal
EUR 0
hardware investment
you pay monthly
Drawbacks and considerations
Who is an online workplace suitable for?
| Sector | Why suitable |
|---|---|
| Accountants | Sensitive data, often at clients |
| Lawyers/notaries | Files needed everywhere, maximum security |
| Estate agents | Constantly on the move |
| SMEs without IT department | No interest in servers and backups |
Read how other businesses have made the switch.
What does an online workplace cost?
EUR 50-150
per user
per month
All-in
pricing model
no surprises
Included
management and support
24/7 monitoring
| Factor | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Computing power (CPU/RAM) | More = higher price |
| Storage (GB/TB) | More = higher price |
| Software (Microsoft 365) | Often included or add-on |
| Support level | 24/7 vs. office hours |
The transition: how does it work?
Inventory
We map out your current IT environment
Design
Based on the inventory, we design your environment
Setup
Set up environment, install applications, test
Migration
Move data and emails (outside working hours)
Go-live
Team logs in, we're on standby for questions
Aftercare
Extra monitoring and support in the first weeks
2-4
weeks
typical lead time
0
downtime
with good planning
100%
data retained
migration without loss
Online workplace vs Windows 365
Microsoft offers its own cloud PC solution with Windows 365. What’s the difference?
| Aspect | Managed online workplace |
|---|---|
| Provider | Local Dutch data centre |
| Customisation | Fully configurable |
| Pricing | Flexible |
| Setup time | Days/weeks |
| Support | Personal, Dutch |
| Best for | Complex environments |
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
An online workplace is the ideal solution for many SME businesses for flexible, secure and worry-free working. The benefits outweigh the disadvantages for most businesses.
Barion Team
IT specialists making complex technology understandable for SME entrepreneurs.
Need help with your IT?
Our IT specialists are happy to help. Get in touch for a free consultation.
