What is Azure Virtual Desktop – And Why Would I Use It?

Virtual desktops essentially allow you to ‘use’ your personal desktop from any device. In Microsoft’s case, this solution is called Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), named after the company’s public cloud computing platform. With a big industry name behind it, it offers significant benefits in the modern world, seamlessly integrating remote work into your business.

Why Would I Implement Azure Virtual Desktop in My Organisation?

AVD fits the dynamic needs of businesses – whether that means you're scaling up to meet increased demand or down during slower periods, AVD adapts seamlessly. This reduces wasted capacity and optimises operational efficiency, as resources are always aligned with user needs.

Cost Efficiency

Scalability is a core advantage of AVD, allowing you to add or remove user licences and computing resources on-the-fly. This supports a possibly fluctuating number of remote workers. You can also easily manage seasonal fluctuations or temporary projects without the need for substantial upfront investment in hardware. In other words: you’re saving money.

By leveraging Microsoft's Azure infrastructure, you can also avoid the capital expenses of purchasing and maintaining physical servers and desktops. Instead, you pay for what you use, transitioning to a more predictable operational expense model.

Additionally, the ability to use existing licenses and the optimised use of resources means you can maximise your software investments while reducing overheads related to IT maintenance, energy consumption, and the physical space needed for on-premises hardware.

Safety Standards and Compliance

Cybersecurity is a top concern for any business, and Azure Virtual Desktop is designed with this in mind. With built-in security features that comply with industry standards, AVD ensures protection of data and applications. Multi-factor authentication, secure sign-on processes, and Azure's infrastructure security measures provide a robust defence against threats.

Compliance is another critical aspect. AVD adheres to global compliance standards, making it easier for organisations to meet regulatory requirements for data security and protection. Regular updates and the ability to quickly apply security patches minimise vulnerabilities and help maintain a secure IT environment.

Seamless Integration

Azure Virtual Desktop fully integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cohesive experience for users. This means familiar tools and applications like Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 are available within the virtual desktop environment, ensuring that employees have everything they need to work efficiently.

The compatibility with Microsoft services streamlines collaboration and communication, as employees can utilise tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint online. This native integration reduces the learning curve for new users and simplifies IT management by keeping everything under one unified platform.

User Benefits

Azure Virtual Desktop enhances IT operations while also significantly improving the end-user experience. By delivering a high-performance virtual desktop experience, users can work productively from any location without experiencing lag or connectivity issues that often come with traditional remote desktop solutions.

The platform provides personalised desktops and applications, too, meaning users can access their work environment tailored to their role and preferences, further boosting productivity. With AVD, employees can transition smoothly between tasks and projects, fostering a productive and satisfying work experience.

How Do I Implement Azure Virtual Desktop in My Organisation?

For a quick and efficient rollout, we’d always advise to use a provider who does it daily even if you have an internal IT team. That way, you benefit from the expertise of Microsoft best practices, expert-level management and technical support for comprehensive managed services while you keep your IT team’s hands free to keep daily operations running.

Consequently, you advance your cloud journey, achieve operational excellence, and ensure business continuity across your organisation – no matter how big or small it may be.

Interested in How Azure Virtual Desktop Could Work for Your Business?