Intwo Has Earned the Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization

The Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization is one of the most rigorous partner accreditations Microsoft offers in the cloud space. It validates that a partner has the proven skills, experience, and customer success record to deploy, scale, and secure virtual desktop infrastructure on Azure. Only partners that meet stringent criteria around customer outcomes and staff skilling, and pass a third-party audit of their technical practices, can earn it. For customers, the specialization is a strong signal of quality and capability.

The Advanced Specialization is earned through a combination of stringent requirements. Microsoft evaluates partners on customer success record, depth of staff skilling and certifications, and overall technical practice maturity in deploying and managing Windows Virtual Desktop. Partners must also pass a third-party audit specifically focused on their Windows Virtual Desktop technical practices. The combination of evidence based customer outcomes, internal capability, and external validation through audit makes this specialization significantly harder to achieve than a standard Microsoft competency or accreditation.

Windows Virtual Desktop, now known as Azure Virtual Desktop, is a Microsoft solution that lets organisations deliver secure, scalable virtual desktops to employees from Azure rather than physical office hardware. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Microsoft 365, Teams, and Dynamics, and supports a wide range of devices including laptops, tablets, and thin clients. The platform offers significant licensing efficiencies, scales up or down based on demand, and provides the secure foundation organisations need for sustained remote and hybrid work.

Yes, Intwo was previously known as SaaSplaza before the rebrand. The URL of this announcement still references the former name, and SaaSplaza customers continue to be served by the same expertise, leadership, and Microsoft credentials under the Intwo brand. The rebrand reflected the company’s expanded global footprint and broader Microsoft Cloud capabilities beyond the original SaaSplaza identity, including Azure managed services, Dynamics 365, modern workplace, data, and AI. The same technical foundation in virtual desktops continues today.

Intwo has been delivering Windows Virtual Desktop projects since 2019, well before earning the Advanced Specialization. Global VP of Cloud Technology Dennis Schut noted in the announcement that during this period the team helped technology partners and global enterprises migrate from remote desktop solutions running on premises and on third party clouds to Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure. That track record of successful design, implementation, and management formed the basis for the Microsoft recognition and gives customers confidence in real-world delivery experience rather than theoretical capability.

Rodney Clark, Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions, Channel Sales, and Channel Chief at Microsoft, commented on Intwo’s recognition. He described the Advanced Specialization as highlighting partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes to deploying Azure Virtual Desktop in Azure. Clark added that Intwo clearly demonstrated both the skills and experience to offer clients a path to transition to desktop as a service in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way. That direct Microsoft endorsement carries significant weight for prospective customers.

Supporting secure remote work for employees is more critical than ever, and Windows Virtual Desktop directly addresses this need. The platform lets organisations deploy virtual desktops to remote and hybrid workers without depending on physical office infrastructure or complex VPN setups. Security policies, identity controls, and data residency requirements can all be enforced centrally in Azure, which removes many of the risks that traditional remote access introduces. Employees access the same Windows experience from any device, anywhere, with consistent performance.

Windows Virtual Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop are the same product. Microsoft renamed Windows Virtual Desktop to Azure Virtual Desktop in 2021 to better reflect its position as an Azure cloud service rather than a Windows specific tool. The capabilities, architecture, and integration with the rest of the Microsoft Cloud all remain the same. Intwo’s Advanced Specialization, originally earned under the Windows Virtual Desktop name, applies to the same platform now branded as Azure Virtual Desktop across Microsoft documentation and licensing.

Businesses looking to deploy Azure Virtual Desktop can work with Intwo through any of our global offices, including Seattle, San Diego, Puerto Rico, Amsterdam, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Bangalore, and Singapore. As a Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop Advanced Specialization holder, Azure Expert MSP, and provider with over 20 years of experience, Intwo handles design, implementation, and ongoing management of virtual desktop environments. Our team helps customers migrate from on-premises remote desktops, optimise licensing, and deliver secure, scalable desktop as a service.