Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop and app virtualisation service that runs on the cloud. It is a flexible cloud virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) platform that securely delivers virtual desktops and remote apps with maximum control.

Windows Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop isn’t a new application it is an enhanced version of Windows Virtual Desktop. Therefore it is not a competing product it is a rebrand and name change. Windows Virtual Desktop already sat within Azure so the move made sense.

Azure Virtual Desktop Capability

Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualisation service running in the cloud. Deploy and scale your Windows desktops and apps on Azure in minutes, and get built-in security and compliance features.

It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimisation for Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments.

With Azure Virtual Desktop, you can set up a scalable and flexible environment:

  • Create a full desktop virtualisation environment in your Azure subscription without having to run any additional gateway servers.
  • Publish as many host pools as you need to accommodate your diverse workloads.
  • Bring your own image for production workloads or test from the Azure Gallery.
  • Reduce costs with pooled, multi-session resources. With the new Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session capability exclusive to Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role on Windows Server, you can greatly reduce the number of virtual machines and operating system (OS) overhead while still providing the same resources to your users.
  • Provide individual ownership through personal (persistent) desktops.

What’s new in Azure Virtual Desktop

There are a number of new features available in Azure Virtual Desktop, with a few of them in preview. With the rise of hybrid working the new name heralds a new investment in technology. The two features that are worth mentioning at the moment are:

Windows 11

Windows 11 operating system now in preview – Azure Virtual Desktop is a great place for customers to set up their validation environment to try out this new operating system. While Windows 11 will be generally available later this calendar year, customers with eligible Microsoft 365 or Windows licenses can use Azure Virtual Desktop now to experience Windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program.

Windows 365

Windows 365 is a new offering from Microsoft again designed to provide capability organisations need to support hybrid working.  Windows 365 is a complete software as a service (SaaS) solution that securely streams your personalised windows experience – all of your apps, contents and settings – to any device.

Microsoft special offer

Microsoft is offering a 30% discount to new customers for 90 days from the date of redemption on all D-series and Bs-series Windows virtual machines (VMs) used as part of an Azure Virtual Desktop host pool. If eligible, you may activate this offer by December 31, 2021. Find out more here.

Interested in learning more about Azure Virtual Desktop? Discover our range of Azure Virtual Desktop services or contact us today.