What is Azure Windows Virtual Desktop?

Many organisations have a large percentage of their workforce working from home, others have employees out on different sites or in different offices. These employees still need to be able to easily access their data and applications to be able to do their jobs, which is where virtual desktops have proved incredibly valuable. Whilst looking into different options for your team, you may have found yourself wondering; ‘what is a virtual desktop?’

To put it simply, a virtual desktop is where the desktop environment itself has been separated from the physical device. A virtual desktop is where the virtual space of a computer’s desktop is expanded beyond the usual physical limits of the machine, and allows users to access their own desktop and applications on a network through any device such as a tablet, laptop or smartphone. They are centrally managed by IT organisations and have many different benefits.

Many companies have virtual desktop software. As a Microsoft Silver partner, our chosen virtual desktop was created by Azure, which was previously known as Windows Virtual Desktop. Read on to find out more about Azure Windows Virtual Desktop, to see if it could be the next step for your organisation.

What does a virtual desktop do? Desktop virtualization explained

For the end user, the experience will look the same as on a normal desktop, they will interact with it in the same way, be able to see and use their files and applications. Instead of running on the hardware physically in front of them, the operating system, all its data and applications are run on a virtual machine, which in many cases will reside in the cloud.. Before the technology developed, only one end user could access it on a single operating system, but now multiple users can share an operating system running multiple virtual desktops. This means one ‘virtual desktop’ can be accessed by several employees simultaneously, increasing available resources whilst minimising costs.  

Does your organisation need a virtual desktop?

Depending on the type of business you run and how your team utilises their tech, you may or may not benefit from a virtual desktop. Consider one if:

• You have multiple teams with different needs: Your team needs to work while travelling, on different sites or even just from home.
• You’re concerned about cyber security: If you have a variety of staff, employ contractors or just have teams who need different access levels, you may be concerned about the security of data.
• You want to expand your hiring pool: You don’t want your candidates to be limited by their geographical location - you want to hire the best person for the job, simple as. 
• You want your IT support to be smoother: Everything is kept in the back end meaning that your IT provider can identify and resolve issues more quickly. 

What are the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop?

There are a huge variety of advantages to running a virtual desktop environment, we’ve mentioned the remote working aspect but there are more you may not have thought of. Azure Virtual Desktop has these benefits and a number of others. 

Compatibility

AVD works seamlessly with Windows 10, allowing access from any device with an internet connection. It also integrates fully with Microsoft 365 apps including Microsoft Teams.

Cost-effective

Virtual desktops require less maintenance as there’s less hardware involved, saving you money, and you also only pay for virtual servers while the servers themselves are on. Additionally, if you already pay for certain Microsoft 365 licenses you can use those to access Virtual Desktop and only pay for what you need. 

Data security

Virtual desktops can be much safer than traditional desktops as data isn’t stored on the physical endpoint devices, so if they are stolen or compromised there would be nothing for cyber criminals to access. Azure WVD also has additional security features such as Azure Firewall and Azure Security Center.

Flexibility

With Azure WVD you have the option to ‘pay-as-you-go’ with no contracts on long-term commitment, or alternatively if you know your longer term requirements and can commit to 1 or 3 year ‘reservations’, you can benefit from discounts of up to 72% on pay-as-you-go subscription costs. More than this, you can also choose what applications your employees can access; meaning everyone gets what’s right for them. 

A happier team

We know how IT problems can really hamper your day. The flexibility that Azure WVD gives to your organisation means that your employees will be happier and more productive. They’ll be able to access their own personal, familiar workspace whether they’re on the train, in the office, or on a different device whilst theirs is being repaired.

It also means your team will be more efficient, as employees are no longer tied to a physical location and can do their jobs from anywhere: a snowstorm or broken down tyre won’t stop them from being able to get their work done. Azure Virtual Desktop is a truly ‘modern workplace’ – any device, any time, any place.

A summary

Being so cost-effective and flexible, Azure WVD is a great solution for businesses of all different sizes and needs. Organisations with many remote staff with different types of desktops and devices would particularly benefit from investing. 

If you’re concerned that installing a new system would be complicated, confusing and result in a lot of downtime, you’ll be happy to know that that isn’t the case with Team Metalogic. As your managed IT provider, we will take the time to get to know you and your goals, and implement WVD smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to get on with your work.

Our team is hard-working and accredited by some of the best leading technology providers in the world, and Team Metalogic is a Microsoft Silver Partner. We always have your best interests at heart, and will work together with you to help you achieve your goals. 

We're Team Metalogic

We’re Team Metalogic, a managed IT support provider offering outsourced IT services to SMEs across the UK. With a proven track record, with extensive experience and a full portfolio of industry accreditations and certifications.

Our stress-free solutions don’t complicate things, in fact, they improve efficiency and save money. We want to improve your IT services and security. Want support and security for your business and data?

Contact us today.

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