What is Azure Virtual Desktop?

As has become evident in the past few years (particularly in the last year), remote work is no longer just a possibility, but a reality. Organizations have seen the value of completing work from anywhere, but many have used patchwork solutions and short-term fixes to help establish a remote workforce.

Azure Virtual Desktop provides business leaders with a scalable, long-term solution, something many organizations are looking for. The right tools are required for collaboration and innovation, but important information and data must be protected in the process. Azure Virtual Desktop enables a secure remote desktop experience from any device at any time, providing end users with the access they need to get the job done.

Running Azure Virtual Desktop on the Cloud

Running Azure Virtual Desktop on the Microsoft Azure Cloud platform allows users to set up a multi-session Windows 10 deployment that provides a scalable Windows 10 instance accessible from anywhere. An end user gains access to Azure Virtual Desktop via a company-issued device, a shared computer, or their own device. For on-the-go employees, the benefits are clear – no matter where someone is, they’re always connected to a full desktop experience with the proper functionality and customization they’re accustomed to.

Organizations will realize cost savings immediately. Hosting on Azure requires less infrastructure than a traditional setup, and there’s no need for costly servers and the space required to house them. Plus, with employees working from anywhere, office spaces can be consolidated, giving users the option to log on either from home or perhaps a co-working space. Should IT departments choose to forego the process of searching for and maintaining hardware, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) is an option. Allowing employees to use their own device reduces costs and ensures a certain level of comfort.

In a BYOD setup, a company can continue to grow without having to focus on costly IT infrastructure or a lengthy procurement process. Since an Azure Virtual Desktop is always up to date, it has the latest security features capable of detecting threats and taking action, and for IT departments, is an alternative to purchasing expensive new equipment or backup and disaster recovery services.

Azure Virtual Desktop Benefits and Considerations

Azure Virtual Desktop deploys and scales in a matter of minutes, with the ability to use existing licenses so you only pay for what you use. For example, if you’re already signed up for Microsoft Office 365 or an enterprise Windows version, a virtual desktop instance can be set up for each user at no extra cost. Remote users gain access to a virtual desktop interface from anywhere, regardless of device type:

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Any device with an HTML5 web client

IT administrators can increase the number of virtual CPUs, virtual RAM, and create more virtual hard disk storage with just a few clicks. Azure Virtual Desktop can also be the first step towards bringing legacy applications to the Cloud, for those yet to implement a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. This allows for the hybridization of the work environment; if an end user requires a full desktop, Azure Virtual Desktop is the solution, but if they only require access to O365, they can work locally.

As the platform is rolled out to employees, organizations must consider the needs of the end user. While an IT department and a group of tech-savvy professionals may enjoy having access to a virtual interface, some members of a team may require further training and coaching on how to use the technology and how to ask for additional resources if they’re required. Our Thrive team provides detailed training prior to deployment.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a great opportunity for organizations to maximize the benefits of the Cloud. Plus, Azure Virtual Desktop is just one more way to provide employees with remote desktop access and the ability to accomplish tasks even if they’re nowhere near the office. To help your organization deploy Virtual Desktop on Microsoft Azure, get in touch with us today.