Managed Desktop Services: Keep Your Team's Devices Secure and Productive

The Challenge of Managing Devices at Scale

Keeping business devices up to date, properly secured, and consistently configured is time-consuming. Patches need to be tested and deployed promptly. Security software needs updating and monitoring. New starters need devices set up and configured. Leavers need devices wiped and reallocated. Without a structured process, these tasks accumulate and create compliance and security gaps.

Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+): Same 5 controls but with independent technical testing/audit (Computer Weekly)

Just 1% of UK SMEs is Cyber Essentials certified — see the cybersecurity section. (UK Government)

61% of Cyber Essentials users say they are more likely to choose suppliers that are certified; 75% have greater confidence working with certified suppliers. (Eclarity)

For SMEs without a dedicated IT team, desktop management typically falls to whoever is most technical — taking time away from their primary role. AMVIA's managed desktop service removes that burden entirely, providing a structured, documented approach to device management as a monthly service.

Device Provisioning and Onboarding

When a new employee joins, AMVIA provisions their device with a standard baseline build — Windows configured to your security policy, Microsoft 365 applications installed, endpoint protection active, and device enrolled in Intune for management. Devices are shipped pre-configured or set up on-site depending on your preference.

AMVIA maintains a build standard that is reviewed and updated quarterly, incorporating any new security requirements or application changes. This ensures every device deployed meets the same baseline, regardless of when it was provisioned.

Patch Management

Patching is one of the most impactful security controls available to SMEs, yet it is frequently delayed or inconsistently applied. AMVIA deploys Windows updates, Microsoft 365 application updates, and third-party application patches (browsers, Adobe, Java) through a managed patching schedule.

Critical security patches are deployed within defined timeframes aligned with Cyber Essentials requirements. Update deployment windows are configured to minimise disruption to working hours. Patch compliance is reported monthly, with any devices falling behind flagged for remediation.

Endpoint Security Management

All managed desktops are enrolled in Microsoft Defender for Business, configured to AMVIA's recommended security baseline. This provides real-time malware protection, attack surface reduction rules, and endpoint detection capability. Security alerts are monitored through AmviaIQ and investigated by AMVIA's engineers.

Where clients hold Microsoft 365 Business Premium licences, Intune device compliance policies enforce encryption (BitLocker), screen lock, and minimum OS version requirements. Devices that fall out of compliance are flagged and the user is guided through remediation.

Remote Support and Helpdesk

AMVIA's UK-based helpdesk provides remote support for device issues — software faults, performance problems, configuration questions, and application support. Engineers connect remotely using secure remote access tools, with user consent, and resolve the majority of issues without requiring a site visit.

On-site support is available for hardware faults, new equipment installation, and complex issues that cannot be resolved remotely. All support interactions are logged and tracked in AMVIA's service desk platform, giving you a full audit trail.

Lifecycle Management and Refresh Planning

AMVIA tracks the age and specification of every managed device. Devices approaching end of manufacturer support or falling behind minimum performance requirements are flagged during quarterly reviews. AMVIA can advise on refresh timing and provide procurement support for replacement hardware.

When devices are decommissioned, AMVIA handles data wipe and device disposal in accordance with UK data protection obligations. A certificate of data destruction is provided for auditing purposes.

Leaver and Joiner Management

AMVIA integrates leaver and joiner processes with your HR workflow. When a staff member leaves, AMVIA coordinates account deactivation, data preservation per your retention policy, device retrieval, and wipe. For new starters, AMVIA can have a device ready to ship on day one if given adequate notice.

This process is documented and consistent, which reduces the risk of overlooked access removal or data loss during staff changes — both of which are common sources of data breaches in SMEs.