Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop and application virtualization solution offered by Microsoft, designed to simplify remote access and management of IT resources. It allows organizations to provide personalized and scalable desktop experiences to users located in different locations, with the ability to securely access applications and data from any device connected to the Internet. Azure VDI represents an effective response to modern challenges related to remote work, mobility and IT cost management, and in this article we are going to take a closer look at what it is, how it works, what are the advantages it can offer to your business and the best practices for using the service.
Organizations are constantly looking for ways to improve productivity, optimize operations, and reduce costs. Remote and hybrid work requires the most secure and adaptable tools for teams to thrive, and technology dedicated to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) has emerged as a solution with revolutionary implications in this regard.
By moving traditional desktops to the cloud, companies can offer their employees access to their workspaces anytime and anywhere, while ensuring data security and centralized management, and Azure VDI, with its capabilities, is the modern solution you were looking for to enable your remote workforce.
Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop and application virtualization service that works on the cloud of Microsoft Azure and allows organizations to create protected virtual workspaces to allow users to securely access corporate data.
Virtual desktops are hosted on VMs located on a centralized server. The data remains on the server in the Azure cloud and allows users to access their virtual desktop from anywhere in the world, using any device allowed by the organization.
Virtual Desktop offers a highly secure remote desktop experience from virtually any device. Fast scalability and reliability, without the need for expert technical support, are great reasons to choose Azure Virtual Desktop as your VDI solution.
Curious to know more? We will learn more in the next sections.
VDI stands for 'Virtual Desktop Infrastructure'. It is a technology that allows virtual desktops to be hosted on centralized servers, allowing users to access these desktops through client devices. In other words, VDI allows users to run an operating system and applications on a virtual desktop, which runs on a remote server instead of on their local device.
VDI on Azure refers to the deployment and management of virtual desktops using Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure. By implementing VDI on Azure, businesses can take advantage of the scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of the Azure cloud platform for their virtual desktop needs.
The main solution for deploying VDI on Azure is, as we mentioned in the introduction, Microsoft's Azure Virtual Desktop or AVD (formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop or WVD). Azure Virtual Desktop is an application and desktop virtualization service that Azure customers can use to access Windows applications and desktops from anywhere, using any device.
The service provides users and companies with a wide range of features, of which we can mention among the main ones:
Let's take a moment for a slightly more technical explanation of the service's architecture. Let's start with the diagram below:
Application access points reside in their own on-premises network. Using Azure ExpressRoute, the on-premises network can be extended into Azure. Enter ID Connect integrates the customer's Active Directory domain services with Azure.
The control plane in Azure Virtual Desktop is responsible for managing web access, diagnostics, extensibility, gateway, and broker components, including any REST APIs.
Instead, the customer is responsible for managing Entra ID and AD DS, in addition to Azure subscriptions, Azure Files, virtual networks and workspaces and AVD host pools.
It is possible to increase capacity by using multiple Azure subscriptions in a hub-and-spoke architecture (network model in which a central node called a hub manages connectivity and communication between different peripheral nodes) and connecting them through virtual peering (direct connection between virtual networks in Azure that allows them to communicate with each other as if they were part of the same network without using public gateways).
We have created the Infrastructure & Security team, focused on the Azure cloud, to better respond to the needs of our customers who involve us in technical and strategic decisions. In addition to configuring and managing the tenant, we also take care of:
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Implementing Azure VDI can offer numerous benefits to organizations that decide to take advantage of its capabilities for their remote work operations.
Workers who are often on the go or work from home can access a virtual desktop with the full range of virtual applications and data. VDI is like having a mobile office available on demand, and Azure VDI creates a high-performance experience for users, no matter where they are.
VDI allows IT administrators to configure network settings, add users, deploy desktop apps, and control security from a central location in record time. Virtual desktops eliminate the need for IT to manually configure each endpoint, making it easier to provision desktops almost instantly. An additional benefit is the integration of Azure VDI with the security and management of Microsoft 365, further simplifying IT processes.
Because VDI is centralized and isolated, it can be a critical component of a company's security strategy and eliminates the problem of having sensitive business data stored locally on user devices. An advantage of non-persistent images is that they provide a new desktop for each session, potentially eliminating malware and viruses when restarted, if they don't settle in the user profile.
Another security benefit is that VDI eliminates the need for a VPN, reducing one of the main security risks for organizations. VDI prevents shadow IT, i.e. the use of systems, devices, software, applications and technological services without direct IT approval, returning control of corporate data security to IT.
Because VDI processing is server-based, there is no need for expensive or cutting-edge hardware. VDI allows the use of less expensive computing devices such as thin clients and extends the lifecycle of physical hardware. In addition, VDI saves on costs related to IT infrastructure, server licenses, and computer deployment and maintenance.
Here are a few use cases for virtual desktops, offering examples of how VDI can be used:
When implementing Azure-based VDI solutions, it's critical to prioritize security to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of your environment, and there are several measures that can be taken to secure your VDI environment on Azure.
First, it's essential to implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms. This includes using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the VDI environment. In addition, user access permissions should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they are in line with the principle of least privilege.
Another important security measure is to implement a robust security network and establish virtual network isolation for your VDI infrastructure, using network security groups (NSG) and firewalls to control inbound and outbound traffic. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects against network-based attacks.
It's also crucial to regularly apply patches and updates to your VDI environment. Azure provides automated patch management capabilities that can help ensure that your virtual machines (VMs) are up to date with the latest security patches. In addition, you should regularly monitor your environment for vulnerabilities and promptly address any identified security issues.
Data protection is another critical aspect for securing your VDI environment on Azure and it is therefore important to implement encryption for data at rest and in transit as soon as possible, which helps protect sensitive information. Azure offers built-in encryption options, such as Azure Disk Encryption and Azure Storage Service Encryption, that can be used to protect your data in this specific way.
Finally, regular monitoring and logging are essential for detecting and responding to security incidents. Azure provides various monitoring and logging tools, such as Azure Monitor and Azure Security Center, that can help you gain visibility into your environment and identify potential security threats.
Deploying and managing Azure VDI can sometimes present challenges, but solutions are available to help solve these problems, and in this small space we're going to look at some of the most common ones.
One of the most common issues may be slow performance or latency. This can be caused by various factors, such as insufficient network bandwidth or an inadequate configuration. To address this issue, it's important to ensure that the network infrastructure is properly sized and optimized for VDI traffic. This may involve upgrading the network hardware or changing the network settings to give priority to VDI traffic.
Another common challenge is application compatibility. Some applications may not work properly in a virtualized desktop environment, causing errors or crashes. To overcome this issue, it is recommended that you test applications in a VDI environment before deploying to identify any compatibility issues. In some cases, it may be necessary to use application virtualization or compatibility tools to ensure smooth operation.
Security is also a key concern in VDI deployments. Data breaches or unauthorized access can have serious consequences. To improve security, it's important to implement strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, and enforce strict access control policies. Regular security audits and updates should also be performed to address any vulnerabilities.
Managing desktop images is another challenge that organizations may face. Updating and patching virtual desktop images can be lengthy and complex processes. To simplify this process, organizations can use image management tools that allow automated image updates and distributions. These tools can help ensure that all virtual desktops are running the latest software versions and security patches.
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) has a pricing model based on what is used. This means that costs are charged primarily for the resources that are used, rather than paying a fixed amount in advance. This model offers the flexibility to scale your virtual desktop environment according to the needs of the moment and to pay only for what you really need.
The price for Azure VDI consists of two main factors: user access rights and infrastructure costs.
The license model determines which user access rights you get. If your company already has eligible Microsoft 365 or Windows licenses, you won't be charged extra to access Azure VDI. These licenses include Microsoft 365 E3/E5, Business Premium, and others. If you don't have these licenses, you can get a per-user access price, which is great for external users.
The other part is infrastructure costs, which cover elements such as virtual machines (VM), storage, and the amount of data leaving Azure data centers.
The virtual machines (VMs) that power virtual desktops are generally the most significant cost factor. The flexibility of Azure pricing models allows you to choose between:
Storage is another important aspect of costs for Azure VDI, and the cost here depends on the type and size of storage you choose.
The costs of Azure VDI will also depend on the network bandwidth you want to use. The charges apply primarily to data transfers outside of Azure data centers, that is, to data that moves from there to other locations.
Keeping track of all the data that flows in and out of your Azure VDI environment is the best way to keep costs low. You can usually benefit from free inbound data transfers, but it's helpful to be aware of any exceptions for specific services.
Finally, the choice of identity management solution can also influence costs. If you use Microsoft Entra ID with Active Directory Domain Services, you may have to pay an additional fee for domain controller VMs and everything related to them, such as computing, storage, and networking.
Organizations can save money by implementing strategic cost-optimization techniques. These techniques also ensure greater scalability and performance of the IT infrastructure.
One of the best ways to keep costs low is to use autoscaling capabilities that ensure that the number of active virtual machines (VMs) will change as needed at the moment.
If you already know in advance how many resources will be used, reserved instances and savings plans can be an excellent way to save on service costs. Plus, you can get a lot more for your money if you commit to using one-year or three-year reserved instances rather than paying as you go. In the same way, Azure savings plans make it possible to lighten the burden of the service on the budget by committing to a specific hourly cost for computing resources.
Another key way to keep costs low is to ensure that you use storage and bandwidth as efficiently as possible, and it's also a good idea to carry out regular cost reviews using tools such as Azure Cost Management. This approach allows you to see where you are spending money, find ways to reduce costs and make decisions based on data to keep complete control of your expenses related to the service and understand how to optimize them to be able to make the most of it and without waste.
Traditional work structures in the contemporary digital age have now radically changed, with remote work in particular now fully accepted and widespread as a practice in every sector. It is therefore necessary for companies of all types and sizes to adapt their technological infrastructures to adapt to these changes and keep up with the present world of work.
In this case, Azure VDI solutions are presented as a solid and secure tool that can help organizations create protected virtual workspaces that allow their users to access corporate data efficiently and securely, wherever they are.
Therefore, in conclusion, there is nothing left for us to do but invite you to touch the Azure offer dedicated to virtual desktop interfaces and let the service do the talking to find out if it may also be the right solution for your needs.
Azure VDI, also known as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), is a cloud solution from Microsoft that allows you to virtualize desktops and applications. It allows users to securely access a Windows environment hosted in the Azure cloud, from any device and location.
Azure Virtual Desktop offers secure remote access, reduced IT costs thanks to centralized management, high scalability to adapt to changing business needs, integration with Microsoft 365 to improve productivity, and advanced security thanks to centralized data storage and integration with Microsoft Entra ID.
Azure VDI is based on a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) managed in the Azure cloud. Users access virtual desktops hosted on virtual machines (VMs) within a centralized infrastructure, without having to install software or store data on their local device.
Azure Virtual Desktop offers a scalable VDI infrastructure with greater customization, suitable for complex scenarios. Windows 365 provides a simplified Cloud PC experience, with predictable costs and more immediate management for novice users.
Azure VDI can be accessed from Windows PCs, Macs, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, as well as from supported thin clients and web browsers.
Yes, because it offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) with Microsoft Entra ID, integration with Azure Security Center to monitor threats, advanced encryption of data in transit and at rest, and network isolation with firewalls and security groups.
Yes, it eliminates the need for a VPN for many organizations. Users can securely connect to virtual desktops without risks associated with connecting directly to the corporate network.
Azure VDI is ideal for remote and hybrid work, for companies that need to ensure high security and compliance standards, for the rapid onboarding of new users, for secure access to legacy software and for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) models.
The cost depends on Microsoft 365 licenses and the infrastructure costs related to virtual machines (VM), storage, and bandwidth used. The payment model can be pay-as-you-go or based on Reserved Instances, which allow you to obtain discounts with long-term commitments.
You can optimize costs by using autoscaling to automatically reduce the number of active VMs as needed, choosing reserved instances with commitments of one or three years, monitoring costs with Azure Cost Management and optimizing the use of storage and bandwidth.
To improve performance, it is advisable to verify network bandwidth, choose the appropriate type of VM, check application compatibility before deployment, enable local caching and monitor the environment with Azure Monitor for any bottlenecks.
Yes, it allows multi-session virtualization of Windows 10 and Windows 11, reducing the number of VMs needed to support multiple users at the same time.
No, Azure Virtual Desktop is a cloud-based service and requires an Internet connection to access.
For an effective implementation, it is essential to protect the environment with network security groups and firewalls, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), apply regular updates, plan the architecture to ensure scalability and load balancing, and use image management tools to update virtual desktops efficiently.
Key alternatives include Windows 365 for a simpler Cloud PC experience, VMware Horizon Cloud for a multi-cloud VDI solution, and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops for an advanced virtual desktop architecture.
The Infra & Security team focuses on the management and evolution of our customers' Microsoft Azure tenants. Besides configuring and managing these tenants, the team is responsible for creating application deployments through DevOps pipelines. It also monitors and manages all security aspects of the tenants and supports Security Operations Centers (SOC).
