A modern workplace shaped around your organisation.

We start with sector, organisational scale, roles and working practices. Applications, data, security, operations, cost, continuity and sovereignty then determine the right workplace model and technology.

Modern Workplace

From working practice to workplace model.

A modern workplace is not a fixed product. We first examine how people work, the applications and information they need, and the constraints and dependencies that affect day-to-day operations.

We then weigh security, manageability, cost, continuity and the required sovereignty profile. The outcome may be a managed physical device, a virtual workplace delivered through DaaS, or a blended model for each user group.

The final design may differ between user groups. Microsoft 365, Intune and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint form one possible route for collaboration, device management and endpoint security. DaaS through cloud partner Uniserver, with Omnissa Horizon delivering virtual desktops and applications, is another. Where underlying systems and data require it, IaaS can also form part of the design.

NorthBridge compares the scenarios, designs the selected environment and connects workplace, infrastructure, identity, applications, information, migration, support and operations within the agreed service.

In 38 seconds

Working practices determine the workplace model.

Physical, virtual or blended: the right design follows from the organisation, users, applications, information, risks and management model. The video brings those relationships together.

Florine voice-over · Dutch audio and captions

The outcome

Productive work. Less friction.

An appropriate workplace model

A reasoned choice for each user group, covering physical, virtual or blended workplaces around their tasks, applications and information.

Security in context

Identity, access, devices and endpoint security are designed around roles, information, risk and the selected workplace.

Manageable service

Workplace, infrastructure, user changes, updates and support follow clear agreements, service boundaries and accountability.

The decision

A reasoned choice for each user group.

One organisation may need several workplace profiles. We therefore define what each user group needs and the conditions under which it must work before selecting a model.

Organisation and working practice. Sector, scale, roles, locations, processes, skills and support needs determine how the workplace must function in day-to-day use.

Applications, information and data. We assess compatibility, performance, peripherals, integrations, information use, data location and dependencies. This shows which capabilities need to be centralised or remain local.

Risk and operations. Identity, access, endpoint security, manageability, support capacity, cost, continuity and sovereignty form the decision framework.

Workplace model and technology. Only once that context is clear do we design the appropriate model. The outcome may differ by user group: managed physical devices with Microsoft 365, Intune and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint; DaaS through Uniserver using Omnissa Horizon; IaaS for underlying workloads; or a blended approach.

From working practice to control.

Understand the organisation
We map sector, scale, roles, processes, applications, information, locations, devices and current points of friction.
Compare viable scenarios
We compare physical, virtual and blended workplace models against use, risk, manageability, cost, continuity and sovereignty. Products and platforms follow from that assessment.
Design and pilot
We develop the selected scenario, define accountability and service boundaries, and test it with representative users.
Introduce and operate
We deliver the IT migration in controlled stages and organise adoption, support, monitoring and lifecycle management within the agreed service.

Frequently asked questions

Questions to settle before design.

Technology follows only after the organisational context, user needs and constraints are clear.

How do we decide which workplace model fits?

We start with sector, scale, roles, working practices, applications, information and data. We then weigh security, manageability, cost, continuity, support and sovereignty. This produces a reasoned choice of physical, virtual or blended workplace for each user group.

When does a Microsoft-based design fit?

When a managed device with cloud-based collaboration and integrated device and endpoint management suits the working practice. Microsoft 365 can support collaboration and information use, Intune can manage devices and applications, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can provide endpoint protection, detection and response. Licences, policies, integrations and operations still need to be designed explicitly.

When does DaaS fit?

DaaS can suit roles that benefit from centrally delivered and managed virtual desktops or applications, for example because of location, device type, applications, data, security, scale, performance or support. NorthBridge can deliver this through cloud partner Uniserver, with Omnissa Horizon providing the virtual desktops and applications.

Does DaaS always include IaaS?

No. IaaS is relevant where the servers, applications, data, storage or network services behind the workplace require that infrastructure. Other workloads may remain elsewhere. We design only the service chain needed for the situation.

Can different models coexist?

Yes. An organisation can use managed physical devices, DaaS and Microsoft 365 alongside one another for different user groups and workloads. Coherent identity, access, information, support and operations prevent them from becoming disconnected environments.

How do security and data sovereignty affect the choice?

We assess identity, access, endpoint security, data placement and processing, jurisdiction, supplier dependencies, continuity and exit. The agreed profile determines which physical, virtual, cloud and IaaS components can be combined responsibly.

More expertise

Explore our other services.

Start with how people work.

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