You may already be familiar with Microsoft 365, but you may not be familiar with Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). In this blog, our IT consultants in Leicester will walk you through what it is, how it works and why this technology could be a sensible investment for your business.
What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
AVD is described in the industry as ‘a desktop and app virtualisation service that runs on the cloud’. It gives users secure virtual access to company applications and data without needing to physically install them on a device because everything the user needs is based in the cloud.
This also means both familiar applications and line-of-business applications that are not natively supported in the cloud, can be securely accessed from devices running Windows, Apple macOS, iOS, Android and Linux – ultimately providing a consistent user experience across different platforms.
How does Azure Virtual Desktop work?
The technology works through Windows multi-user sessions, so multiple users can log on at the same time wherever they’re located, and access their virtual desktop to work together. Applications and resources can be installed and managed centrally, simplifying administration. As AVD is based on Azure’s flexible framework, the technology is unlimited in its scalability – it’s built around your business needs both today and as they evolve over time.
What are the benefits of AVD?
There’s lots to get excited about with Microsoft Azure, and with it Azure Virtual Desktop. Here are just a few of its many benefits:
- Through a good internet connection, employees will be able to securely access their applications and data from wherever they choose to work.
- Security boundaries can be defined, ensuring sensitive data is only accessed by those trusted to access it.
- Employees get a consistent user experience, wherever and however they choose to work, empowering the adoption of flexible working practices.
- IT Administrators can roll-out updates or install new applications centrally, without the need to access the user’s devices directly.
For employers and employees alike, Azure Virtual Desktop gives them the flexibility to work the way they do best.
What about Azure for businesses?
There’s a lot we’ve already touched on that shows just how valuable Microsoft Azure is as a business investment:
- You can scale efficiently and on-demand, flexing to your business needs, and only pay for what you use.
- As the infrastructure is hosted in Azure, other than a suitable platform to connect from, you won’t need any cumbersome (and soon-to-be outdated) servers, or a large building in which to house them and your employees (meaning it’s great for remote-based or hybrid businesses).
- There are lots of in-built security controls, so not only can you protect your data and your employees, but you can rapidly respond to emerging threats.
- A lot of these benefits can save businesses huge amounts of money, as they no longer need to rent workspace, or power and secure on-premises infrastructure.
Best of all, you can build a flexible business that works for everyone, anywhere – and benefit from being far more efficient.
How can I get started with Microsoft AVD?
Our IT consultants in Leicester can get you set up, helping you put the right Microsoft licensing in place to access Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. And when you’re successfully up and running on AVD, our experts can be on-hand to offer support through a range of IT support services.
To get started, email hello@aurora.uk.net or visit our LinkedIn business page for more about the team and how we can help.
