Implementing AVD allows businesses to avoid costs associated with hardware:
- Maintenance
- Upgrades
- Additional devices for expansion
Optimization is essential for every business, as it boosts productivity and profitability. In the age of technology, that means finding ways to minimize desktop downtime and maximize benefits. A virtual desktop is an excellent tool for both, especially for businesses experiencing exponential growth.
Of course, setting up and maintaining a virtual desktop infrastructure is a big project, especially if you don't have a dedicated information technology department. Fortunately, iuvo can help you navigate this change with our cloud computing services. Our experienced team is excited to explain the inner workings of Virtual Desktop Infrastructures, their benefits and iuvo's implementation process.
VDIs separate software from hardware, allowing greater operating system accessibility. For a long time, users could only access applications on a single device because that's where said applications were stored. For example, if you needed sales reports, you had to physically go to the office and sign in to the desktop holding those reports.
Virtualization makes your OS available on any device by creating a virtual machine. VMs have all the same components of physical hardware but are stored virtually:
When you access a VM, it "borrows" the hardware of the device to run its cloud-based programs. As a result, workers can access the same desktop from any compatible device.
Several companies offer VDIs, including Microsoft. Microsoft's option is called Azure Virtual Desktop after its cloud computing platform. When you choose Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft does all the heavy lifting of maintaining servers, encrypting connections and distributing users across VMs, while providing customization options.
While you may hear comparisons of VDI vs AVD, Azure Virtual Desktop is technically a subcategory of VDI. Some professionals use VDI to refer to non-Azure virtual desktop infrastructures, so there's room for confusion. In this guide, we use VDI in the broadest sense.
Azure Virtual Desktop is built for maximum flexibility, allowing business owners to create an infrastructure that aligns with their goals and provides solutions to unique challenges. Its key features reflect an emphasis on connectivity, virtual desktop management and scalability:
Doesn't Microsoft already offer cloud services through the Windows 365 subscription? Yes, but the Windows 365 CloudPC is different from Azure Virtual Desktop. You can sign into your W365 account on multiple devices and access your desktop, but you don't have control over how your device manages the connections. Microsoft's Azure cloud services handle all the backend concerns.
In contrast, AVD provides direct access to the VMs through customization. You also have more pricing options depending on your business needs, while W365 has a fixed subscription cost.
Azure Virtual Desktop's flexibility lends itself to a variety of industries. For example, the ability to run multiple OSes simultaneously on a single device is helpful to app developers, as they can test the application in real time.
Some industries, such as healthcare, have strict privacy requirements that individual users must adhere to. AVD can improve compliance through its many controls, allowing administrators to limit who has access to protected information.
Azure Virtual Desktop can also safeguard data from external bad actors. Sensitive documents are protected by Azure's multiple security layers, making it difficult for hackers to access them. This feature is critical in the following industries:
Best of all, AVD ensures security no matter your workers' location. Demand for remote work has skyrocketed in the past few years, creating the need for mobile security. With AVD, users can access confidential apps at home, public libraries or co-working hubs without putting client data and corporate systems at risk.
This benefit also applies to employees who routinely travel. They can stay in the loop, meet deadlines and access critical information for clients and vendors.
Implementing AVD allows businesses to avoid costs associated with hardware:
Servers require climate control to prevent overheating, which can interfere with function and damage physical components. There's also the risk of theft or vandalism by internal or external forces, as well as simple human error causing accidental harm. Maintaining hardware security is another expense cutting into your bottom line, as you must also dedicate time to developing secure protocols and training employees.
Depending on your location, your hardware may also be at risk of destruction from natural disasters. You'll not only need to safeguard your systems but also maintain physical backups in another location as a contingency. AVD eliminates these concerns by keeping all software within the Azure system, including backups. Microsoft's global reach ensures that even if one area experiences a natural disaster, you can securely access your OS without interruption.
When you don't have to rely on the purchase and installation of hardware, you can grow your business faster. You only pay for the AVD services you use, allowing greater control over your IT budget. As your workforce expands and you branch into new markets, you can increase the number of VMs and add services.
This is a game changer for companies that pride themselves on environmental friendliness, as consumers and employees expect corporations to practice what they preach. You also don't have to worry about disposing of outdated electronics, which often require special procedures to recycle. Discarded devices can also be a security risk, as skilled hackers can extract data from hard drives that aren't properly erased.
Remote work is the way of the future; it allows you to pull from a larger talent pool and have representatives in multiple time zones. Companies that offer remote work also get more applicants, giving you a better chance of finding the perfect person for the role.
Azure Virtual Desktop makes remote work simple for both employers and employees:
Employees can also utilize the device that works best for their role or location. For example, supervisors overseeing multiple sites can access the AVD via a tablet when visiting a site and then log into their desktops when at the home office. This flexibility boosts productivity by allowing individuals to work according to their fluctuating needs.
From an IT standpoint, AVD streamlines upgrades and support. Your IT department or contractor can access all desktops simultaneously for patches, app downloads and backups, limiting business interruptions and speeding up the upgrade process. This benefit is especially important for remote work, as you won't have to worry about making special arrangements for off-site employees.
AVD also relies on Microsoft for security, giving you the benefits of a global corporation's resources. Rather than vetting, implementing and maintaining your own security, you have thousands of cybersecurity experts protecting the entire system.
Every industry can benefit from cutting-edge technology; if you don't keep up, your competitors surely will. Implementing productivity-boosting and cost-saving systems early puts you ahead of the game, making you more appealing to customers and investors.
If your business relies on employees' access to your internal network, AVD may be the solution. iuvo experts are happy to review your needs and match you with an applicable service. Our experienced team offers ongoing support, ensuring your enterprise is always prepared for the next opportunity. Should you decide to move to AVD, we will assist with migration, minimizing interruptions to daily operations.
While it's possible to navigate Azure Virtual Desktop on your own, hiring professionals can make implementation faster and more convenient. Launched in 2019, this technology is relatively new and continues to change with clients' needs and emerging tech. A specialist in cloud computing can fill in the gaps in your IT team's knowledge and help your company optimize setup for a smoother transition.
The iuvo team takes the time to understand your business's goals and industry challenges and then uses that information to build a tailored infrastructure. We handle all the customization, allowing you to devote more time to daily operations.
Additionally, we manage billing for Azure services, ensuring your subscriptions are always paid on time. We also monitor services to identify whether they deliver value, allowing us to trim unessential subscriptions and save you money.
iuvo offers a wide variety of IT services, including implementing and maintaining cloud-based computing. Since 2007, we've helped companies optimize their systems and keep up with the ever-expanding world of business technology. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest trends and pulls from their years of experience to ensure you're getting the best quality service in DevOps, cybersecurity, vendor management and more.
If you're interested in empowering your workplace with AVD, call 781-722-3200 or submit an online request to schedule a free consultation.
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