What is Azure Virtual Desktop, and How Does It Empower Teams? 

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) supports a flexible work culture, reducing pressure on IT teams. VDI made it easier for employees and contract workers to stay productive without compromising data security. As VDI demands complex infrastructure, hardware and expensive licensing costs, scaling up becomes herculean.  Microsoft introduced Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), a flexible and cost-effective cloud-based solution to help the workforce safely access Office 365 apps.  

It also helps reinforce remote work policies and grant access to other pre-configured apps, anywhere, anytime, without incurring any additional expenses.  Let us get into the details now.

What is Azure Virtual Desktop? 

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a comprehensive cloud-based desktop and app virtualisation service designed to empower organisations with secure, flexible remote work. Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), now known as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), offers enterprise-grade security and enables users to run Windows-based apps on any device, including macOS and iOS.  

AVD runs on Microsoft Azure’s scalable cloud and provides a fully managed Windows 11 environment where multiple users share the same virtual machine but still have their personalised desktops. 

Key Features include: 

• Complete Windows 10/11 desktop experience, including multi-session capability. 

• Secure access to resources using Azure Active Directory (AAD). 

• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise. 

• Centralised management and monitoring via the Azure portal. 

• Scalable infrastructure with flexible pay-as-you-go pricing models. 

Why Should Growing Businesses Consider Using Azure Virtual Desktop? 

Azure Virtual Desktop offers a powerful solution for businesses to scale up IT infrastructure and enhance workforce productivity at an optimised cost. AVD not only addresses the unique needs of large organisations, but also supports small and medium businesses, actively supporting remote and hybrid teams and enabling seamless application delivery.  

It encompasses roles traditionally managed manually, such as Web access, diagnostics, broker, management, gateway, and load balancing, all as a scalable managed service on Azure. It is also possible to provision the compute and configure user experiences for host pools based on specific needs.

Host pools are collections of virtual machines configured to deliver desktop/ app experiences to users, enabling flexible and scalable resource allocation. AVD also works with full-featured apps across any device–Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from anywhere. 

Without using the desktop hardware, the same environment is hosted on Azure virtual machines (VMs). A control system manages user access, resources, and security in the background. Here is how it helps businesses: 

• Multiple users can share one Windows 11 VM and share resources efficiently without affecting user experience.  

• IT teams can use both custom and ready-made Azure images to publish full desktops or specific apps tailored to each user group.  

• AVD automatically adjusts the number of VMs and storage based on demand, controlling costs while meeting performance requirements.  

• Users connect using the Remote Desktop app or a web browser to enhance security. No open network ports are needed.  

• Access to all Microsoft 365 apps, such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and other apps, to share files and collaborate easily.   

• AVD connects to fast, block-based storage that works like a usual hard drive for better speed and reliability.  

• Store all the virtual desktop data in the cloud. Recover sensitive data instantly during outages, attacks, or accidental loss.  

• VMs can be enrolled in Microsoft Endpoint Manager for centralised device management and policy enforcement.  

Which is Better? Windows Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365?  

Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 are cloud-based desktop solutions from Microsoft, both serving distinct business needs. 

Windows 365: Simple and Easy to Deploy: 

Windows 365 is a subscription-based service that charges a fixed monthly fee per user, and each user receives their own Cloud PC. It’s already integrated with Microsoft Intune, ideal for organisations already using Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

It is easy to set up, deployment is simpler, and it is predictable. Windows 365 is ideal for small IT teams and employees working on dedicated Microsoft remote desktops, as they do not need to worry about additional infrastructure. However, here is what is missing:  

• There is no multi-session support; each user requires a separate Cloud PC.  

• Not much control over infrastructure and configurations.  

• Higher overall cost compared to pooled resources in AVD. 

• It might not play well for roles that require high-quality voice or video communication, like call centre agents.

Azure Virtual Desktop: Flexible, Powerful, and Cost-Efficient  

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop operates on the Azure platform with a consumption-based pricing model. This means you only pay for what you use. It supports multi-session desktops, remote apps, and even GPU-powered workloads, making it ideal for teams with complex needs or power users.  

AVD is a wise choice based on the following: 

• Full infrastructure control is ideal for advanced IT teams.  

• Flexible, usage-based pricing to save costs.  

• Customised environments to fit different teams/ roles.  

• Scale resources up or down based on demand.  

AVD provides the business with complete control over the infrastructure, enabling users to select VM sizes, configure auto scaling, manage storage and networking, and more. AVD does require more management than Windows 365. However, it offers much more freedom for teams that are comfortable with Azure and looking to optimise cost or performance.    

Is AVD the Right Fit? Find out from Kloudify

Azure Virtual Desktop is exclusively built for scalable remote work, secure application delivery, and cloud-based desktop environments. Its flexibility, scalability, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem make it a popular platform for virtual desktops and applications. Kloudify empowers businesses to accelerate their cloud journey with Microsoft Azure through secure, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions tailored to business needs.

As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, Kloudify brings deep expertise in Azure architecture, migration, and management aligned with best practices for performance, governance, security and compliance. Let us get started rightaway.