What are the benefits of using Azure Virtual Desktop (and who should use it)?

You might be sick of hearing this, but our working lives have well and truly changed over the past few years. In particular, more of us are working remotely or with flexibility. That has put enormous pressure on us IT types to adapt and be flexible – all without dropping the ball on security and compliance. No pressure.

Enter Azure Virtual Desktop. It’s not the answer to all life’s technology problems, but it is an incredibly powerful platform if you’re tasked with managing a flexible workforce (and even if you’re not). 

Let’s take a deeper dive into the who, what, when and why of Azure Virtual Desktop now. And, of course, the all-important how (that’s where we come in).

Azure Virtual Desktop: The who, what and when.

Azure Virtual Desktop is Microsoft’s virtual desktop infrastructure (sometimes referred to as desktop-as-a-service). It gives your system administrator the power to deploy, manage and update traditional desktop workloads from a centralised location, so end users can access their enterprise computer systems anywhere, from any supported browsers. 

In a nutshell, Azure Virtual Desktop allows your users to access corporate files, apps and services through a secure desktop client or browser – from anywhere, at any time, with a consistent experience.

We think Azure Virtual Desktop is an excellent solution for anyone using Azure (hey, we might be biased!). That being said, there are some particularly strong use cases for virtual desktop deployments. These include workforces that are largely remote or mobile, or where bring-your-own device (BYOD) is permitted, and even for shift workers.

Now, let’s take a look at the all-important question of why it’s so useful. 

Azure Virtual Desktop: The why.

Let me start by saying that there are many more reasons than what I’ve outlined below to use Azure Virtual Desktop. However, we don’t want this to turn into War and Peace, so I’ll stick to the top three.

Creates a standardised experience for users (which unlocks flexibility).

When users are moving between devices and locations you want the experience to be the same with secure access to their files and corporate apps. Azure Virtual Desktop enables this. In short, users can access their virtual workstation over the internet across multiple devices This, in turn, helps to unlock flexibility in your workforce, keep a consistent user experience because people can move devices without losing access to files or apps.

Enhance security in the perimeter-less network.

Azure Virtual Desktop offers much better security, particularly when your network perimeter has been stretched, morphed and even permanently erased! Azure Virtual Desktop builds on the rock-solid security of Microsoft Azure. It includes features like identity management, data encryption, and cutting-edge threat protection are all built in. This means your company’s data is secure, even when your team is working remotely.

In particular, if you’re looking to implement Zero Trust Architecture, Azure Virtual Desktop will make your life far easier.

Solve compliance and regulatory challenges.

Depending on what your industry requires, Azure Virtual Desktop can help to solve the vast majority of compliance and regulatory framework challenges (such as ASD Essential 8, ISO27001, CIS (Centre for Internet Security) and other security and compliance frameworks, as well as industry-specific measures).

When you’re managing the virtual desktop centrally, on a single platform, you have the power to ensure you’re always complying with the right controls.

Azure Virtual Desktop: The how.

If you’re already on Microsoft Azure and want to get started with Virtual Desktop, we’re here to help. Macquarie Cloud Services has a blueprint of best practices when it comes to Azure, which we’ve compiled from our unique IP and years of experience in providing cloud services to many of Australia’s leading organisations. 

If you want to get the most value and best performance from Microsoft Azure, having the right managed services partner is a critical starting point. It will ensure you don’t waste time or money getting things right, because our experts will do it for you – all in the boundaries of our industry-leading Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework. Because it’s based on Microsoft’s Well-Architected Framework, you’ll be able to start using Azure Virtual Desktop correctly from day one.

What’s more, we take care of the Azure innovation roadmap for you. Our solution is an ever-evolving product, thanks to the insights and capability of our technology and team of 120-plus cloud experts.

It’s why we’ve been recognised by Microsoft as an Azure Expert Managed Service Provider. Reach out to us today at 1800 004 943 or drop us an email at enquiries@macquariecloudservices.com to explore how we can help you claim the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop, as well as configure your Azure infrastructure management practices to the highest standards of industry best practice.