Client story Global Workforce Transformation With Azure Virtual Desktop | Insight

Background

A leading cost optimisation solutions provider with a global and agile workforce, needed a secure and scalable IT solution. This solution needed to enable efficient onboarding of contractors, provide access to necessary systems without compromising infrastructure, and allow for seamless scalability to meet the demands of new client contracts. This presented a unique challenge, requiring a flexible and cost-effective approach to IT provision.

Challenge

The organisation faced a complex challenge. Its dynamic workforce of contractors required a solution that could rapidly and securely provide access to work environments. This demand was intensified by the necessity to uphold stringent security standards, especially given the company’s work with major financial institutions. Adding to the complexity, the organisation had an immediate need for this solution, with a tight deadline for onboarding new contractors.

To further enhance its capabilities and support its rapid growth, the organisation needed a partner with deep cloud expertise to help meet its ambitious deadlines. The partner also needed to understand both the complexities of its internal needs and the security demands of its high-profile clients.

Solutions and outcomes

To help the organisation securely and efficiently onboard its flexible workforce, Insight began with a thorough cloud discovery assessment to understand its specific requirements. Insight then implemented Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), a technology that empowers the organisation’s workforce with virtual Windows desktops accessible from any device, while maintaining strong security for its internal systems. This was crucial for the company, enabling rapid and secure onboarding of contractors, regardless of location or device.

Insight leveraged the organisation’s existing Microsoft E3 licences, which included AVD capabilities at no extra cost. This involved building the environment in Microsoft Azure, using Insight’s Global Delivery Network (GDN) for efficient and cost-effective deployment. Microsoft Bastion was implemented to control access to the AVD environment, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud provided continuous security monitoring.

Using AVD, the organisation reduced its reliance on physical infrastructure by 80%, leading to significant cost savings. Adopting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach with AVD eliminated the need to purchase laptops for contractors. The combination of AVD, Bastion, and Defender for Cloud provided a robust security framework that met the needs of the company’s financial clients.

The IT service provider gained the ability to easily scale its user base up or down in response to new contracts. Through training from Insight, the organisation’s IT team now manages the AVD environment independently. This solution addressed the company’s challenges and built a foundation for future growth.

Why Insight

An IT service provider selected Insight for this project due to its proven expertise in deploying Azure solutions, its close relationship with Microsoft, and its demonstrated understanding of the company’s unique needs. Insight’s collaborative approach ensured seamless cooperation and a smooth implementation.

Insight’s ability to leverage its Global Delivery Network for efficient deployment, while also securing Microsoft funding to deliver a cost-effective solution, solidified its position as the ideal partner for the organisation. This combination of expertise, collaboration, and resourcefulness made Insight the perfect choice to deliver a secure and scalable solution for the IT provider’s evolving needs.