Smart, Secure, Seamless Cloud Experience From Anywhere
Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Services
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud-based desktop and application virtualisation service that runs on Microsoft Azure. It provides a multi-session Windows 10 experience, optimises Office 365 performance, and enables businesses to transition their existing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) desktops and applications to the cloud.
Azure Desktop as a Service works by creating virtual machines in the Azure cloud and streaming them to users’ devices. This allows users to access their desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device. Managed Azure Virtual Desktop also provides centralised management and monitoring, making it easy for IT administrators to deploy and manage virtual desktops and applications.
Simplify Deployment and Management of Infrastructure
Pay Only For What You Use
No additional license costs
Use Azure Virtual Desktop with your existing eligible Microsoft 365 or Windows per-user licence.
Reduce infrastructure costs
Right-size your virtual machines (VMs) or shut them down when not in use.
Save on management overhead
Let a dedicated managed service provider take care of your virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
Protect Data Privacy and Security
Secure User Access
Managed Azure Virtual Desktop ensures secure user access through Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Policy and multifactor authentication.
Identity-Based Authentication
Identity-based authentication is provided for Azure Files used in FSLogix User Profiles.
Least Privilege Assignments
Azure RBAC roles are used to assign least privilege to both users and services.
Data Encryption at Rest
Data at rest is encrypted with the choice of customer-managed keys or platform-managed keys.
Data Encryption in Transit
AVD encrypts data in transit between the VM host and the Storage service.
Automated Services
Azure Managed Identity and service principals with certificate credentials are employed for automation and service access within AVD.
Activity Logging and Monitoring
User and administrator activity logging is collected for Microsoft Entra ID and AVD landing zones, with monitoring conducted through SIEM tools.
Access Management
Access to AVD application groups is assigned using Microsoft Entra groups instead of individual user settings.
Security Policy Recommendations
AVD recommends security policies for Office deployments using the Security Policy Advisor for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
Integration with Information Protection Solutions
AVD supports integration with information protection solutions like Microsoft Purview Information Protection or third-party alternatives.
Azure Virtual Desktop Architecture
Host pools: Host pools are groups of virtual machines that are used to provide desktops and applications to users.
Connection Broker: The Connection Broker is a service that manages user connections to host pools.
Web client: The web client is a portal that users can access to launch their desktops and applications.
Session hosts: Session hosts are the virtual machines that users connect to when they access their desktops and applications.
Remote Desktop clients: Remote Desktop clients are applications that users can install on their devices to connect to their desktops and applications.
Azure Virtual Desktop Supported Operating Systems
Azure Virtual Desktop supports a wide range of operating systems, providing organisations with the flexibility to choose the operating system that best meets their needs:
- Windows 11
- Windows 10 multi-session
- Windows 10
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2022 R2
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
Work from any client device, anytime and anywhere, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- Web
- Microsoft Store Client
AVD Client Support
Traditional Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) vs. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
Traditional VDI is a solution that is deployed and managed on-premises. This means that organisations need to purchase and maintain their own hardware and software, and they are responsible for all aspects of managing their VDI environment.
Managed Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based desktop virtualisation solution that is hosted and managed by Microsoft. This means that organisations do not need to purchase or maintain their own hardware and software, and Microsoft is responsible for all aspects of managing the AVD environment.
| Feature | Traditional VDI | Azure Virtual Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment and management | On-premises | Cloud-based |
| Hardware and software requirements | Organisations need to purchase and maintain their own hardware and software. | Microsoft provides and maintains the hardware and software. |
| Cost | Can be expensive to deploy and maintain. | More cost-effective, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. |
| Security | Can be secure, but organisations need to implement their own security measures. | Secure by design, with built-in security features such as multi-factor authentication and encryption. |
AVD for Enterprises
AVD can be implemented for a wide variety of work scenarios to provide the following enterprise capabilities:
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud-based service that allows users to access a secure, virtualised desktop environment from anywhere. It enables remote work and centralised management of apps and data.
AVD helps businesses by offering scalable, secure access to applications and desktops, reducing IT management overhead and ensuring flexibility for remote or hybrid workforces.
Yes, AVD offers built-in security features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards to protect sensitive information in a cloud environment.
AVD can seamlessly integrate with existing on-premises or cloud IT environments, making it easier to deploy virtual desktops without disrupting current workflows.