What Is Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop?

What is Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop?

Most organizations are leveraging virtual desktops as they push to work remotely. Virtual desktops have become a game changer in running organizations since they enable users to securely access work applications and data from anywhere and on any device.

One of the most recent and sought virtual desktops is the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. It offers many services and features to help you manage different tasks virtually. Here are more details about Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and how it can help you.

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is a subscription-based virtual desktop and app on the Azure cloud. Microsoft announced its release on June 7, 2021, after changing the Windows Virtual Desktop product to Azure Virtual Desktop. This virtual desktop offers an easy-to-use and secure virtual desktop for individuals and organizations compared to traditional remote desktop services.

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop can run on Windows 7, 10, or 11, and Windows 10 multi-session depending on its configuration. It can also run on Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2021 R6 but doesn’t support Windows 8 and 8.1. Users can use it on different Remote Desktop clients, such as Windows Desktop, iOS, Android, MacOS, Microsoft Store Client, and Web.

Key Points

1. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based virtual Desktop that runs in Azure.
2. Microsoft Azure Desktop can run on Windows 7,10, 11, and 10 multi-sessions but doesn’t run on 8 or 8.1 versions.
3. The Remote Desktop Clients that support Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop include Web, iOS, Microsoft Store Client, Android, Web, and Windows Desktop.

What Does Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Do?

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers different features, making it an ideal component for any organization. Here’s what you can do with it:

• You can set up multi-session Windows 10 or 11, offering a full and scalable Windows experience.
• Access Microsoft 365 Enterprise Apps and the ability to optimize them to run multi-user virtual scenarios.
• Bring an existing Remote Desktop Service, Windows Apps, and Server desktops to any computer.
• You can manage desktops and apps from different Windows and Servers operating systems through a unified management experience.

Key Points

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop allows its users to:

1. Set up multi-sessions in Windows 10 or 11
2. Access Microsoft 365 Enterprise Apps with the ability to run multi-user virtual scenarios
3. Brings their Remote Desktop Services, Window Server desktops, and Apps remotely to any computer
4. Manage their desktops and apps from different Windows or Servers through a consolidated center

How Does Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Compare with Remote Virtual Services?

Simplicity is the most significant difference between Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Virtual Services. Remote Virtual Service users were required to handle several vital components, such as setting up and maintaining admins. They were also required to ensure that the admins worked seamlessly with one another through database servers, domain controllers, load balancing, session host machines, and other components.

In contrast, Azure Virtual Desktop offloads many of these underlying infrastructures to Microsoft, allowing users to focus on their business. This significantly reduces the time and management needed to set up and use Virtual Desktops in an organization.

Key Points

1. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offloads the technical work required in managing a traditional Virtual Desktop Service.
2. Using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop cuts down the time and cost of setting up a traditional Virtual Desktop service.

What are The Benefits of Using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop?

Apart from simplicity, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers the following benefits to its users:

Data Security 

Most organizations are adopting Azure Virtual Desktop due to its data security. It uses reverse connect transport to establish its remote sessions, providing a more secure mechanism even while running on the cloud.

Cost Effectiveness

Users with existing Windows or Microsoft 365 licenses can access Azure Virtual Desktop by paying for what they want to use. They can also save on their infrastructure costs and reduce their overhead costs through a centralized management service. Organizations with huge workloads can also use the pay-as-you-go option to reduce costs.

Flexibility and Secure Remote Work 

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop users can access their virtual desktops from any desktop or application anywhere. It also offers a seamless multi-session user experience across remote desktop clients such as Androids, macOS, iOS, and Web.

Scalability 

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop allows users to scale their resources according to their unique requirements. Its centralized management hub makes it easy to configure your network settings, deploy desktop apps, remove users, and manage security from a central point.

Familiarity with Your Operational Environment 

Since users can access their desktops from anywhere and have the same user experience once they log into their remote desktop, regardless of location. This gives them access to applications they’re familiar with, especially if they use Microsoft 365 in their business. They can also take advantage of Azure features since they’ll be operating in an environment they’re familiar with.

Key Points 

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers the following benefits to its users:

1. Better and manageable data security
2. Cost-effectiveness to users with existing Windows and Microsoft 365 licenses
3. Flexibility in terms of access through different Window versions and Remote Desktop Clients
4. Scalability through resources that are suitable for running a particular business
5. Familiarity to its users since they can access desktops and features they’re used to remotely.

Are There Any Cons of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop?

The primary con of using Azure Virtual Desktop is the need for high-quality network connections. Your effort to plan and design effective virtual desktops is only worth it if your intended users can access the cloud. Therefore, your efforts will be fruitless if your users have slow or no internet connection.

Apart from the technical aspect of network connections, organizations considering using Azure Virtual Desktop should train some employees on how to use it. This may incur additional costs, despite its cost-effectiveness in the long run.

Key Points 

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop may be an effective tool for any organization, but it has the following primary caveats:

1. You need a strong, stable internet connection to access the cloud
2. Some employees may require training on how to use it, which may result in additional costs

Get Started with Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Today

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops allows users to securely access their desktops remotely, making it a vital resource for most organizations. It guarantees familiarity with existing Windows versions, except 8 and 8.1, and Microsoft 365, at no additional cost for users with existing Windows licenses. Compared with Microsoft Virtual Desktop Services, Azure offers better services and features to help your organization meet its business needs at a lower cost and greater flexibility.