Devices, remote teams and backups
Cloud desktops on AWS
Instead of trusting a remote worker's computer, give them a Windows desktop that lives in Amazon's cloud. I build it on Amazon WorkSpaces in your own AWS account, with sign-in protected by MFA. I manage it from here in Canada, and it can be hosted in any AWS region that offers WorkSpaces. I'll recommend the data centre closest to your staff so the desktop feels fast. Everything they do happens inside that desktop, and all of its internet traffic leaves through one fixed IP address. That lets you lock email, files, banking and other business apps so they only work from inside the cloud desktop.
Request this$155 an hour. Every setup is different, so I quote after a short call.
What is included
- Choosing the best AWS region for your team's location, for the fastest connection
- Setting up the AWS environment in your own account: a private network, a managed directory for staff logins, and the desktops
- Multi-factor authentication at desktop sign-in
- All traffic leaving through a fixed IP address that you can give to banks, SaaS tools and other services that allow IP restrictions
- Locking Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 so company accounts only work from that IP address, where your plan supports it
- Blocking copy and paste, file transfer, printing, USB devices and screenshots between the desktop and the person's own computer
- Restricting which kinds of devices can connect (for example, Windows computers only)
- An admin server locked to known IP addresses, for managing everything safely
- Clear naming and tagging, a cost estimate up front, and billing alerts so there are no surprises
- A written runbook, plus a plain-language owner summary with connection steps for staff
What you get at the end
- Cloud desktops running in an AWS account you own
- Fixed IP addresses you can hand to any service that needs them
- A runbook and owner summary, so you are never dependent on me to keep it running
What I need from you
- An AWS account with billing set up in your name (I can walk you through creating one)
- Super admin access to Google Workspace, or Global Administrator access to Microsoft 365, for the IP restrictions
- A list of the staff who need desktops and the apps they use
Not included
- AWS, directory and MFA service charges, which Amazon and the vendors bill to you directly
- Day-to-day support for the desktops after handover (ask about check-ins)
- Migrating existing servers or applications into AWS
Ready to get this done?
Answer a few quick questions and book a short call. I will come prepared with a plan and an estimate.