In the post-COVID world, many organizations have either implemented or are considering a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Not only does VDI enable employees to work remotely, but it also saves on the cost of powerful laptops and desktops because much of the processing power can be done server-side in the data center. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) was released in 2019 as an exclusively cloud based VDI solution, enabling administrators to deliver virtualized Windows 10 and Windows 11 desktops and apps with the security and reliability of Azure with centralized management and control. But what if organizations have data locality issues or need to run on-premises to meet data compliance and adhere to regulatory requirements? That’s where AVD for Azure Stack HCI fills the gap.
For those who have been following the development cycle, it’s been a long time coming, but AVD for Azure Stack HCI is finally out of preview and now generally available (GA). So, why are we excited?
- Many of our customers deploying on-premises VDI solutions are using Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS). Although it’s functional, RDS doesn’t offer the level of features and functionality of AVD. If they needed a more robust, feature-rich solution they’d have to explore more expensive options like Citrix or VMware. However, with AVD for Azure Stack HCI, our customers can now deploy Azure Virtual Desktops on-premises with the option to extend their deployment to the cloud for a complete hybrid VDI solution.
- AVD for Azure Stack HCI enables organizations to improve VDI performance in areas with poor connection and data locality issues. It provides better access to legacy on-premises apps and data sources by keeping desktops and apps in the same location and it reduces cost and improves the user experience with Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session.
- It also simplifies VDI deployments and management by using the Azure portal. It enables organizations to get the best performance using RDP Shortpath for low-latency user access and the latest fully patched images using Azure Marketplace images. Because most VDI deployments in corporate environments are Windows desktops, AVD for Azure Stack HCI’s native integration with Windows 10 and 11 makes it ideal over Citrix and VMware.
- Because AVD for Azure Stack, AVD, and Azure Stack HCI are all built on the same, familiar Microsoft stack and managed in the Azure Portal, if administrators want to deploy some of their VDI workloads on AVD in the cloud, they can seamlessly move VDI desktops back and forth for a complete hybrid cloud VDI solution without the need of a third-party application.
DataON can help you get started, with Integrated Solutions for AVD for Azure Stack HCI. It’s a turnkey solution that includes not only AVD for Azure Stack HCI but also Azure Stack HCI with DataON servers.
If you have questions about AVD for Azure Stack HCI, please contact us.