Windows Virtual Desktop – a Game Changer!
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) has been around for many years, but the economics just haven’t worked well outside of large enterprises. Some smaller organizations have had to use Citrix because of line-of-business vendor requirements, but Citrix is expensive. Many small organizations now use Remote Desktop because it is more cost-effective, but people have mixed experiences with Remote Desktop. It uses a server interface, which never feels quite right for those used to a PC. The graphics and usability over an internet connection can result in latency and poor overall user experience. Remote Desktop has lower ongoing operating costs than Citrix, but the upfront licensing, servers, and labor are significant. Enter Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD)!
WVD is Desktop-as-a-Service, or DaaS, solution, perfect for the current subscription-based economy and OpEx-based budgeting we are all adopting. Last fall Microsoft released this scalable Azure cloud-based solution, and it’s a game-changer.
What is Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD)?
WVD is a desktop in the Cloud – specifically Microsoft’s Azure Cloud. All of the computing happens in the Cloud, so you are not dependent on the device (laptop/desktop/tablet) you are using. WVD can also be used to run whole applications in the Cloud – for example, QuickBooks—and give the user the simulated experience of a local application. Access is as easy as double-clicking an icon, logging in is handled behind the scenes, and the application opens. Pretty neat.
Lower Your Hardware Budget on Day One
Windows Virtual Desktop can run on a simple laptop, thin client, an iPad, or a Chromebook. It can even run on a mobile phone! So not only can you purchase less expensive computers from now on, you don’t have to be concerned with current and future “horsepower” for your users to have a positive experience.
Enable BYOD or Work from Home with More Confidence
Configured correctly, WVD can be a secure option to connect to your corporate environment. It will allow staff to flexibly work from a variety of devices – both in the office and at home.
Onboard New Staff Quickly and Less Expensively
With WVD, you can quickly deploy a new desktop with just a few clicks. And if a user leaves and someone new replaces them, there isn’t a need to rebuild the entire computer.
Smart Cost Management
WVD environments can reduce unused resources and let you turn off unnecessary infrastructure to reduce your monthly bill. In a typical cloud environment, you are paying for uptime and bandwidth. If you don’t need 40 WVDs available at 3 am, then why pay for them? Using automation, you can put yourself in the best possible setup for your organization’s needs. Conversely, if you need to scale up massively to burn the midnight oil and need to bring in outside consultants to work through a proposal response for a week straight, you can do that with a few clicks and a friendly chat with your IT provider.
Get the Full Desktop Experience with Windows Virtual Desktop
With WVD you can use it just like you would any other computer. Compare this to RDS, where you can’t use popular applications like OneDrive or do a video conference on Zoom or MS Teams. With WVD, this is no problem. Everything is easier for your IT department and you.
Are you interested in Windows Virtual Desktop? Fill out the form below, and we’d be glad to help.