Azure Virtual Desktop formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop or WVD, as Microsoft renamed it earlier this year, is a cloud-based, internet-hosted desktop service. It is a desktop and application virtualization service that runs in the cloud. With the growing need for hybrid working setups or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), organisations have seemingly increased the search for this type of cloud-based service. Your desktop environment and everything else can now be remotely stored online, giving you access to it wherever you are.
What are the benefits of having an Azure Virtual Desktop?
Did you know that AVD is the only virtual desktop infrastructure that makes management simpler, including a multi-session Windows 10, optimisations for Office 365 ProPlus, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments?
There are several benefits that AVD can provide you with, including:
1. Deploy and Scale in Minutes
With AVD, you can quickly deploy apps to the cloud, using unified administration in the Azure interface. You can also scale access up or down according to business demand, whether you need more during peak seasons or less at other times.
2. Optimise Costs
There are no additional costs as you will only pay for your Azure Virtual Desktops, machines, and storage that users consume with the service. And since it’s in the cloud, you can forget about additional expenses such as the need for servers and other infrastructure that requires maintenance and support.
3. Security
Since the desktop and data is stored in the cloud, you can then worry-less that a device may be stolen or lost with built-in identity management, backup, and security.
Since hybrid working is already the norm for most businesses in different countries, the threats to employees working offsite and accessing their applications from just about anywhere have increased as they may not be secure as their office environment. Organisations would then have to step up and find a solution that helps to reduce the security risks.
4. Increased Flexibility and Productivity
The ability for your users to access their data from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection can increase productivity. They will be able to access the tools needed to complete their work easily and on time.
Key Capabilities of having an Azure Virtual Desktop
In addition to all those benefits of having an AVD, here we look at some of the capabilities an AVD can do for you and your organisation:
- Set up a multi-session Windows 10 deployment that provides full Windows 10 scalability
- Virtualize M365 applications which are optimized to run in multi-user virtual scenarios
- The ability to run Windows 7 virtual desktops with free Extended Security Updates
- Bring existing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Windows Server desktops and applications to any computer
- Virtualize both desktops and applications
- Manage Windows 10, Windows Server, and Windows 7 desktops and applications with unified management experience
Do you need an Azure Virtual Desktop?
While AVD may not be the right solution for every organization, if you are a business owner who wants to go and explore a hybrid and flexible working environment for your users, then we do recommend you assess your needs against what Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is offering to ensure that your security and compliance needs are met. Wizard IT, as a Microsoft Gold partner can discuss with you in more detail should you wish to start your Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop journey. Get in touch with us now.
