Robin Damen
An online workstation ā also called a cloud workspace, hosted desktop or virtual desktop ā gives your employees access to their applications, files and email from anywhere. But with so many providers and variants, it's difficult to make the right choice.
In this article we compare the main options, show you what it costs and help you determine which solution fits your organisation.
What is an online workstation?
An online workstation is a complete Windows desktop running in the cloud. You log in via a browser or thin client and have instant access to all your programs, files and email ā regardless of where you are or which device you use.
Read more about the basics in our article What is a cloud workstation?
The 4 types of online workstations
1. Hosted Shared Desktop (classic online workstation)
Multiple users share a powerful server. Each user gets their own desktop session. This is the model Virtual Computing offers via the Online Workstation.
- Lowest cost per user
- Easy to manage
- Ideal for standard office work
- Limited per-user control over system settings
- Not suitable for heavy graphical applications
2. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Each user gets their own virtual machine. More freedom, but also higher costs. Azure Virtual Desktop is a popular choice here.
- Full isolation per user
- Suitable for specialist software
- Flexible configuration
- Higher costs (dedicated resources)
- More complex management
3. Windows 365 Cloud PC
Microsoft's own cloud PC. A fixed virtual machine in the Microsoft cloud, managed via Intune. Read our Windows 365 page for more details.
- Fixed monthly fee via Microsoft
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365
- Simple for IT admins
- Higher price per user than shared desktop
- Less flexible configuration
- No unlimited storage
4. Microsoft 365 only (Modern Workplace)
No full desktop in the cloud, but working on own devices with Microsoft 365 apps, Intune management and cloud storage. See our Modern Workplace solution.
- Lowest entry costs
- Users work on their own laptop
- Good for mobile teams
- No central desktop
- Dependent on quality of own hardware
- Less suitable for legacy applications
Cost comparison
What does an online workstation cost per user per month? Here's a realistic overview:
| Type | Price per user/month | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Online Workstation (shared) | from ā¬35 | Desktop, apps, storage, support, backup |
| VDI / Azure Virtual Desktop | ā¬60 ā ā¬120 | Own VM, apps, storage, management |
| Windows 365 Cloud PC | ā¬45 ā ā¬130 | Cloud PC, M365 apps, Intune |
| Modern Workplace (M365) | ā¬10 ā ā¬25 | M365 licence, device management |
*Prices are indicative and exclude VAT. Actual price depends on number of users, required storage and desired service level.*
At Virtual Computing our Online Workstation is all-inclusive from ā¬35 per user: including unlimited storage, daily backups, Microsoft 365, security and 24/7 support.
What to look for when comparing
Hidden costs
- Storage above a certain limit
- Support outside office hours
- Backups and disaster recovery
- Security options (MFA, antivirus)
- Onboarding and migration
Always ask for the total monthly price including everything you need.
Security and certifications
Not every provider takes security equally seriously. Check whether the provider is ISO 27001 certified and whether data is stored in European data centres.
Support and availability
How quickly does the helpdesk respond? Is there phone support or only a ticket system? At Virtual Computing you call a technical engineer directly ā no call centre, no queue.
Migration
How does the transition work? A good provider has a proven migration process and carries out the transition outside working hours so you don't notice a thing.
Scalability
Can you easily add or remove users? Are you tied to a minimum number? Are there long-term contracts?
Application compatibility
Does your industry software run on the workstation? Think of packages like Exact Online, Oase Dental, Exquise or ISAH. At Virtual Computing we support virtually all Windows applications.
Virtual Computing vs. the rest
| Feature | Virtual Computing | Average provider |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | ā¬35/user/month | ā¬40-60/user/month |
| Storage | Unlimited | 10-50 GB |
| Backup | Daily, included | Often extra costs |
| Support | 24/7, direct to engineer | Office hours, ticket system |
| Certification | ISO 9001, 27001, NEN 7510 | Varies |
| Contract | Monthly cancellable | 12-36 months |
| Migration | Included | Often extra costs |
| Microsoft 365 | Included | Often extra |
Which workstation suits your organisation?
The choice depends on your situation:
- SMB with 5-100 employees, standard office work ā Online Workstation (best value)
- Organisation with heavy applications or compliance requirements ā VDI / Azure Virtual Desktop
- Fully Microsoft environment, own devices ā Modern Workplace or Windows 365
- Growing company wanting to outsource everything ā Full IT management
Free consultation
Unsure which workstation best suits your organisation? Schedule a free consultation or request a demo. We'll show you how it works and calculate exactly what it costs.
Prefer a proposal straight away? Request a quote ā you'll receive a transparent tailored proposal within 1 working day.
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