FloFVD: why we built it, why it matters now

The thinking behind Flotek's virtual desktop platform

Not every product starts with a product plan.

Some start with a clearer view of where the market is heading, where partners are feeling pressure, and where there is room to build something more useful.

That is the story behind our virtual desktop, FloFVD.

When Flotek acquired Microshade in 2025, the move was about more than growth. It gave us direct exposure to hosted cloud environments and the organisations relying on them every day. It gave us the chance to see, up close, the practical use cases, the operational realities, and the areas where existing solutions were not always meeting the mark.

What became clear was this: many organisations want the flexibility of hosted cloud, but not the trade-offs that often come with it.

They want to support users across multiple locations and devices. They want secure access to desktops and applications. They want to keep critical legacy systems running. But they do not want spiralling complexity, patchy user experiences, or uncertainty over where data is hosted and governed.

That is where FloFVD comes in.

What FloFVD actually is

FloFVD is Flotek's secure, UK-hosted virtual desktop platform, designed to give users a consistent Windows desktop experience on any device, while keeping data centralised, protected and easier to control.

It is a practical approach to hosted cloud. Not cloud for cloud's sake, but a managed environment built around real operational needs.

For some organisations, the value is in simplifying desktop delivery and reducing reliance on physical infrastructure. For others, it is about supporting Windows-only or legacy applications in a modern hosted environment. In shared-device settings, it can help create cleaner, more consistent user experiences. And where external access is needed, it offers a more controlled way to support contractors or third parties without losing visibility.

Why data sovereignty changes the conversation

Alongside all of that, one theme is becoming harder to ignore: data sovereignty.

"We saw a real opportunity through Microshade to learn more deeply from hosted cloud environments and the specific partner needs within them. That helped shape FloFVD as a practical proposition, not just another product launch. At the same time, data sovereignty is becoming a much bigger conversation. More organisations want confidence in where their data is hosted, how it is governed, and who controls it. We believe that will only become more important over the next 12 to 18 months."

Jay Ball, CEO, Flotek Group

That thinking sits at the heart of FloFVD.

It is designed for organisations that need flexibility, but also want stronger control. It supports modern working, but without abandoning the systems and applications businesses still depend on. And it gives Flotek a stronger position in a market that is looking for more practical answers around hosted cloud, governance and long-term resilience.

Built from real experience, not theory

FloFVD is not a theoretical proposition.

It is the product of a strategic decision, real-world experience, and a clear view of where partner needs are moving next. It sits alongside Flotek's broader managed IT offering, giving businesses a more complete picture of how their technology environment can be simplified, secured and supported in one place.

To find out more about FloFVD, book a meeting with the team.

Further reading

• Flotek acquires Microshade — the strategic move that shaped FloFVD.
• Managed IT from Flotek — how FloFVD fits into a joined-up technology partnership.
• Flotek Cyber Security — keeping your hosted environment protected as well as productive.