In the world of business IT, there’s always something new on the horizon promising to revolutionise the way we work.
Some of these technologies are as changeable, unpredictable and impermanent as the British summer weather, while others stick around and become essential tools in our digital toolkit. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is certainly making a strong case for the latter category, especially for small and medium-sized businesses looking to modernise their IT infrastructure without breaking the bank.
Now, before you start imagining some complicated, sci-fi level technology that requires a PhD to understand, let’s have an easy going look at what Azure Virtual Desktop actually is, and whether it might be right for your business.
Virtual desktops demystified: no umbrellas required
It might help to think of it like this. Azure Virtual Desktop is just your computer’s screen and programs running on Microsoft’s internet servers (in the cloud) instead of on your actual computer. It’s like your computer’s operating system, applications, as well as all your files, being hosted in the cloud, instead of on the physical device in front of you. And when you use AVD, you’re just logging into a virtual computer that lives in Microsoft’s data centres – through your own device.
Your keyboard strokes and mouse clicks travel over the internet to that virtual machine, and the screen images are sent back to your device. It’s a bit like driving a car by remote control, except much more responsive and without the risk of crashing into the neighbour’s garden gnome collection. The beauty of this setup is that you can access your complete work environment, with all your applications, settings, and files, from practically any device with an internet connection.
That dusty old laptop gathering cobwebs in the cupboard? It could potentially become a portal to a high-powered Windows desktop. That shiny new iPad you treat with more care than most family heirlooms? It can run your Windows applications too.
Business benefits “rain” from the Azure cloud
So why are businesses, particularly smaller and medium-sized ones, getting excited about Azure Virtual Desktop? Well, there are several reasons that go beyond just the technical novelty. For starters, there’s the flexibility factor. Remember the chaos of March 2020, when businesses scrambled to set up remote working almost overnight? D’uh – who doesn’t??
With AVD, your team can work from literally anywhere with a decent internet connection. The home office, the kitchen table, that quirky café down the road, or even while visiting the in-laws in Cornwall (though we can’t promise the latter will be stress-free, for other reasons). And we’re not just talking about getting access to your files over the internet – we are talking about accessing computing power too.
Then there’s the cost aspect. Traditional IT infrastructure involves significant upfront investment in hardware that starts depreciating the moment it’s installed. You’re business is essentially paying for peak capacity that might sit idle much of the time, rather like buying a stadium-sized canteen for your office, when most days only a handful of people are in and half of them bring sandwiches.
With AVD, you’re moving to a more predictable operational expenditure model. You pay for what you use, scaling up or down as needed. No more expensive hardware refreshes every few years or having to call in the IT cavalry (that’s us, by the way) to upgrade memory or replace failing hard drives.
Security is another area where AVD truly shines. Your data isn’t stored on local devices that can be lost, stolen, or damaged. It remains secure in Microsoft’s data centres, which have more security measures than the British royal jewellery collection. And with centralised management, ensuring everyone’s software is up-to-date and patched against the latest vulnerabilities, maintaining that protection becomes significantly easier.
The essential Azure Virtual Desktop survival kit
Before jumping headfirst into Azure Virtual Desktop, there are several ingredients you’ll need to have ready in your IT kitchen. First, you’ll need appropriate Microsoft licensing. This typically includes Microsoft 365 Business Premium or similar subscriptions, plus Windows 10/11 Enterprise licences. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually straightforward once you understand what’s required—and that’s precisely where a trusted IT partner (did we mention that’s us?) comes in handy.
A reliable internet connection is absolutely crucial, like having power to run your office. If your internet goes down, so does your ability to access your virtual desktops. For many businesses, this means having a primary connection with a backup option, just to be safe.
You’ll also need to consider your storage requirements. While AVD reduces the need for local storage, you’ll still need somewhere in the cloud to keep all your important files and data. Microsoft offers various storage options within Azure, which can be tailored to your specific needs.
Finally, you’ll want to think about your users’ devices. While AVD can work on almost anything, the experience will vary depending on screen size, processor speed, and available memory. For the best experience, we recommend devices that are designed for business use rather than something you picked up in the bargain bin at the local supermarket.
Storm-chasing other virtual solutions that might blow you away
Of course, Azure Virtual Desktop isn’t the only option on the menu. There are other approaches to consider. Traditional VPN solutions can provide remote access to your office network, though they typically don’t offer the same level of user experience or security as AVD. They’re a bit like a basic mobile phone compared to a smartphone, they’ll do the job, but the experience isn’t quite the same.
Citrix and VMware both offer their own desktop virtualisation solutions, which may be worth considering if you already have significant investments in those ecosystems. These are mature products with strong feature sets, though they often come with more complex licensing and management requirements. For businesses deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, Chrome Enterprise with Cloudready devices provides an alternative approach, though it’s a different flavour entirely, more like switching from Windows to Mac, if you will.
Local desktops with cloud-synchronised files (using services like OneDrive or Dropbox) represent a hybrid approach that many businesses currently employ. This works well for many scenarios but doesn’t provide the same level of management or security benefits as a fully virtualised solution.
Cloud-proofing your business
If you’re considering implementing Azure Virtual Desktop, there are some things you need to check first.
We recommend an audit of your current applications and workflows to understand what needs to be moved to the virtual environment. Some legacy applications may require special handling or might not be suitable for virtualisation.
Assessing your network infrastructure to ensure it can handle the increased demand that comes with running virtual desktops is also key. Make sure you include your internet connection and your internal network.
If you are on the larger side of the SME spectrum, then you might want to consider running a pilot with a small group of users before rolling out to the whole business. This will help you identify and resolve any issues without everyone being affected.
While using AVD is very similar to using a regular desktop, there are differences that users will need to understand, particularly around logging in and troubleshooting connection issues. So you’ll need an on-boarding, communications and training plan to ensure your employees and your business get the most out of the system.
Clear skies ahead: life after AVD
So what might you expect if you do decide to take the plunge with Azure Virtual Desktop? For most businesses, the most immediate benefit is enhanced flexibility in how and where people work. This can lead to improved work-life balance for your team and potentially even productivity gains as people can work in ways that suit them best. You should also notice reduced IT support costs over time. With centralised management and fewer physical devices to maintain, many of the day-to-day headaches of IT management simply disappear.
Data security often improves significantly, with information stored centrally rather than scattered across dozens or hundreds of devices. This makes both protecting that data and ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR more straightforward. Business continuity becomes more robust too. If someone’s device fails or is stolen, they can simply switch to another device and pick up exactly where they left off, no data loss and minimal disruption.
Over the longer term, many businesses find that AVD helps them become more agile and responsive to changing circumstances. Whether it’s rapidly onboarding new team members, accommodating temporary project staff, or quickly adapting to unexpected events (global pandemic, anyone?), having a flexible, cloud-based desktop infrastructure provides options that traditional IT setups simply can’t match.
So, should your business head for the cloud?
Azure Virtual Desktop isn’t the right solution for every business, but for many small and medium-sized organisations, it represents an opportunity to modernise IT infrastructure in a way that enhances flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness. If we’ve whet your appetite with this blog, but you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the technical details, that’s where we come in. At PurpleJelly, we specialise in helping businesses just like yours navigate these decisions and implement solutions that make sense for your specific needs and circumstances.
So, don’t let your IT strategy get caught in a downpour without the proper cloud cover!
If you’re ready to see if Azure Virtual Desktop could be your silver lining, give us a call at PurpleJelly on 01252 856 230 or float over an email.
We promise a forecast of friendly advice, absolutely no technical storms, and experts who won’t rain on your parade with confusing jargon. After all, when it comes to desktop virtualisation, we’re the umbrella you’ll be glad you brought! Let’s make sure your business isn’t left feeling under the weather while your competitors are floating on cloud nine.
