FAQ Hub
Tivarri Modern Desktop
Tivarri Modern Desktop is an IT solution designed for organisations that prioritise flexibility while maintaining strong security and compliance. It is built on Microsoft’s Modern Desktop framework and enhanced by Tivarri’s expertise.
Tivarri is ISO 27001:2022 certified, the latest, internationally recognised, standard for information security management. This certification is audited annually by an external assessor and demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding client data. We also hold the UK National Cyber Security Centre backed Cyber Essentials certification.
Security is embedded into every aspect of our service. Our systems are preconfigured to protect your data against internal and external threats. We deploy multi-factor authentication, conditional access policies, email and web security, mobile device management, end-to-end encryption, etc., to maintain a secure environment. Data is backed up either to Tivarri-operated data centres or optionally to Microsoft or AWS data centres. All backups are encrypted using 256-bit AES encryption, both at rest and in transit.
If Entra ID is properly configured, unauthorised access attempts from unregistered devices will be blocked, even if MFA codes are compromised.
Typical set up time is 4-8 days, during which Tivarri configures security policies and integrates services tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Yes. On Tivarri Modern Desktop, Microsoft services are configured using Tivarri’s proven templates to support client-specific compliance and security requirements.
We offer flexible contract options including a 1-month rolling, 12-month and 36-month terms. The contract length can be chosen according to client preference, with longer terms providing fixed pricing over the duration of the agreement.
Yes, these applications operate seamlessly on Tivarri Modern Desktop, providing reliable voice and video communication.
File storage of 1TB is included for all organisations, an additional 10GB is added per user.
Tivarri manages all licensing requirements through a combination of the Microsoft Service Provider Licence Agreement (SPLA) and Microsoft 365 licensing. This means our clients do not need to purchase or manage their own Microsoft software.
Tivarri Hosted Desktop
Windows 10 and 11 style desktops.
Yes, printing is enabled by default using Microsoft Easy Print. This is suitable for most printing needs. We also offer direct IP printing; this works well with more sophisticated printers e.g. those that collate pages and staple them as direct printing supports the full feature set of the printer.
Data is backed up daily by default, with backups retained for 30 days. Longer retention periods are available on request. A 7-year retention policy is popular with FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
Remote access is possible from some tablets, but the experience may be limited due to screen size, or onscreen keyboard taking up a proportion of the screen.
Most mainstream and financial services-based business applications.
Yes. Mac users need the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app. The experience is like using a PC.
Uptime is normally 100% except for a software update cycle which is required for compliance which runs on the early hours of Sunday morning to ensure that all systems are patched with the latest security release. Our Service Level Agreement (SLA) gives full details of our uptime guarantee.
No, unlike some of our competitors, there are no penalties for leaving. A small fee applies if you need data exported.
Yes, contact our Helpdesk to request a copy
Setup typically takes 1-4 business days, depending on your requirements.
We handle software installation on Hosted Desktop to maintain stability. You need to have valid licences for any software you ask us to install.
Yes. All backups are encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption (military grade) and replicated off-site to a secure data centre for complete security and data recovery purposes. Data is also encrypted on disk using dedicated TPM (Trusted Platform Module) technology. Additionally, we offer the option of daily encrypted backups to a third-party service such as Amazon Web Services. This means that the data is always available even if we were unable to continue operations, this may be required for to meet compliance needs.
Email storage depends on the Microsoft Exchange Online plan chosen these are typically 50 or 100 GB. For files storage, each user receives 10GB of file storage be default and additional storage can be added.
We have 1 month rolling, 12 and 36-month contracts. The choice of contract length is largely down to customer preference; longer contracts will tend to guarantee prices for fixed periods.
Distance from the data centre is important. A hosted desktop works best when users are 2,000 or less miles from our UK datacentres. Performance often degrades beyond this range particularly when working with graphics-intensive applications. We also offer services from Microsoft data centres, so we can deploy to Microsoft Azure for long distance customers.
Instant messaging works well. For best voice/video quality we may advise specific data centres, or specific platforms in Microsoft data centres.
In most cases, yes. Many customers report improved performance compared to their ‘old’ systems.
Offline access is not available with a Hosted Desktop. If regular offline working is required, then we can discuss options that allow the local synchronisation of data.
You recommend at least Mbps per user download capacity. Upload capacity if lower unless you are also using a video calling service.
If you lose Internet connectivity you will lose the connection to the data centre and hence your Hosted Desktop. When your Internet connection is restored, you can continue working exactly where you left off with your applications in the same state as before the connection dropped. Remember that you can connect from anywhere that has Internet access so if your work Internet connection is going to be unavailable for a while, you can connect from home, a local cafe, hotel, etc.
Teams and Zoom meetings can require switching back to the local laptop. However, chat and general Teams functionality are supported.
It’s widely used in the financial services and other regulated sectors, particularly where compliance and cost-efficiency are key.
When internet speeds are advertised, they are typically quoted in Megabits per second, for example, an 8 Mbps broadband connection, but this is only half the picture. A figure in Mbps gives you an idea of the capacity (speed) of your Internet connection, but it doesn’t tell you about latency (the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back again).
To understand latency, imagine driving a car at 100 mph from point A to point B. It sounds fast, but if the route goes from A to C to D and then to B, the journey will still take longer than if you’d gone directly. The same is true for internet traffic. Even with a fast connection, if the route between your device and the server being accessed is indirect, the response time will be slower.
Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms), and it gives a clearer picture of the real-world performance of a cloud-based service. For a good experience on Hosted Desktop, we recommend a latency of less than 50 ms. This ensures a smooth, responsive experience, like using a local PC. If latency is higher, the service is still usable, but you might notice delays, for example, when typing, characters may appear slightly after you press the keys.
If you lose internet access, you’ll be disconnected from your Hosted Desktop. However, when your connection is restored, you’ll be able to pick up exactly where you left off. Your applications and files will remain open and unchanged.
Because you can connect from any location with internet access, you’re not tied to a single place. If your work connection is unavailable, you can continue working from home, a café, a hotel, or any other location with reliable internet.
Tivarri VDI
Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud
Tivarri VDI is hosted exclusively within secure UK-based data centres. This ensures compliance with UK data residency regulations and provides reassurance for organisations operating under strict regulatory requirements.
Absolutely. Tivarri VDI is highly scalable and can be deployed efficiently for small teams or large enterprises. Resources can be allocated according to user activity, ensuring cost efficiency and performance optimisation.
Unlike Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud, which has a fixed maximum of 16 vCPUs and 64 GB RAM per user, Tivarri VDI places no hard limits on performance. Virtual desktops can be configured with much higher specifications, tailored to the specific needs of each user.
By being hosted exclusively in UK data centres, Tivarri VDI ensures data residency and regulatory standards are met. Combined with centralised management and auditing, it provides the level of control and security that regulated firms require.
The solution is fully managed and supported by Tivarri’s experienced infrastructure team. This ensures businesses receive proactive monitoring, expert support, and ongoing management of their hosted desktops.
With Microsoft Cloud PC solution, data remains in the data centre. This eliminates the risk of data loss from lost or stolen devices that have synchronised files to their local PC or laptop. This solution allows organisation to meet stricter compliance requirements on data security.
The highest specification Microsoft Cloud PC available has 16 vCPU and 64GB RAM. This is sufficient for the majority of users, but those running heavy spreadsheets with multiple data sources may find that this isn’t sufficient and there is a need for more processing power or memory For higher specification Cloud PCs, Tivarri can provision these in their own data centre where required.
No data is stored on user devices, significantly reducing the risk of data leakage or breaches. This design ensures sensitive information remains protected and centrally controlled, aligning with both internal security policies and external regulatory standards.
Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud supports Cloud PCs with up to 16 vCPUs and 64 GB of RAM, which is more than sufficient for most business applications and workloads. This makes it ideal for everyday business users, with higher-performance needs supported by Tivarri’s VDI solution.
Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud is best for organisations that want a fully Microsoft-managed, compliant, and secure virtual desktop service for standard workloads. However, businesses that require more powerful, customised, or flexible configurations such as running large-scale data models or specialised applications may find Tivarri VDI a better fit.
Features, Security, and Compliance
Every Tivarri IT solution is designed with security, performance, and compliance at its core. From Microsoft 365–based services to our UK private data centres, we apply 15+ years of regulated industry expertise to protect clients’ systems and data.
Tivarri uses Microsoft E5 security features such as Entra ID, conditional access, AI-driven threat detection, and advanced email protection. Data is encrypted end-to-end, user activity is monitored, and device registration helps prevent unauthorised access. We also run weekly third-party penetration tests and provide dedicated customer gateway servers for secure remote access.
Data is secured at rest, in transit, and during processing. Accounts lock out after repeated failed login attempts and trigger alerts to our security team. Microsoft AI helps detect compromised or at-risk accounts.
Clients can choose between Microsoft UK data centres (via Modern Desktop or Windows 365 Enterprise) or Tivarri’s UK-based data centres (via Hosted Desktop and VDI). Both options meet ISO 27001:2022 standards, with access limited to security-cleared personnel.
Tivarri uses Microsoft Intune and the Tivarri Company Portal to centrally manage desktops and applications. We can push, update, or revoke applications remotely, simplifying onboarding, offboarding, and maintaining a consistent user experience.
Tivarri handles Microsoft licensing for clients. Subscriptions can be monthly or annual (with discounts for advance annual payments).
Patching of infrastructure, operating systems, and core applications is fully managed by Tivarri. This reduces risks from unpatched software while maintaining system stability and uptime.
With more than 15 years in regulated IT, Tivarri has helped shape the cloud technologies used today. We don’t just deploy solutions, we design them with foresight, build them for longevity, and support them with deep technical knowledge.
Yes. Tivarri has extensive experience migrating a wide range of applications, minimising risk during the process and ensuring smooth transitions.
In most cases, yes. Many customers report improved performance compared to their ‘old’ systems.
Backup and disaster recovery are available across all solutions. Backup data is encrypted with AES 256-bit. On Hosted Desktop and VDI, daily full-system backups are stored for at least 30 days, with longer retention available for FCA and ISO compliance.