What is a Virtual Desktop and Why do I Need One?
Virtual desktops and the technology driving it – desktop virtualization – are all the more popular since the onset of the pandemic, and more and more people have started working remotely.
Like cloud computing, where, let’s say, all your photos and backups are stored on a remote server, virtual desktops are the desktop environment that you, the end-user, engage with, separate from the physical device required to access it.
Why would your business use or move to desktop virtualization? The key benefit is the ability to provide access to Windows software and apps and data to any user at any location at any given time. Companies can choose to deploy tools at a specific location, in the cloud, or use hosted environments to improve efficiency and keep business moving smoothly.
Choosing Microsoft Azure
Windows Virtual Desktop runs on Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computer toolset. Azure is a cloud services provider that allows customers, including companies from small shops to corporate enterprises, to store documents, data, images, and more in the cloud.
Azure cloud storage can be less costly than physical options and is more secure, reliable, and flexible than on-site servers. The best part about cloud services for most businesses is that data storage is scalable with more security at a lower cost, making it easy to change computing needs quickly.
Microsoft Virtual Desktop is one of the best new features available on the Microsoft Azure cloud. The cloud computing network has a global infrastructure with data storage locations around the world for quick and reliable service.
Key Features of Windows Virtual Desktop
Windows Virtual Desktop is a business tool that helps create a flexible environment for software and data that can be scaled as the company grows. Virtualization allows you to create multiple desktop environments without having to deploy additional servers, and you can do it all in an existing Azure subscription.
The primary feature of a virtual environment is efficiency and cost reductions with the ability to use pooled, multi-session resources. This can result in a reduction in the number of virtual machines, and operating system licenses your business needs to operate.
Key features include:
- Ability to provide an optimum Office experience for employees so they can be productive
- Ability to publish as many host pools as you need for varying workloads
- Ability to establish secure reverse connections so that inbound ports are never left open
- Ability to connect from any device using a native application or the Windows Virtual Desktop HTML5 client
- Ability to provide personal desktops with individual ownership and access rights
- Ability to create user groups and assign app access for different sets of users or user groups within your company
- Ability to manage and collect information to understand configuration or user errors
- Ability to use new diagnostics tools to troubleshoot issues and resolve them more quickly
- Ability to manage just virtual machines, so you don’t have to deal with remote desktop roles
The key benefits of an Azure subscription include:
- Ability to choose different deployment methods, on-site or through
- Ability to use Windows apps on any device, including PC or Mac desktops, iOS, and Android
- Ability to scale the system based on business demand
- Ability to mimic the same user experience as native computer apps
- Ability to provide top-notch security for data and keep sensitive information off user devices
Conclusion
Windows virtual desktop by Microsoft Azure is accessible from any of your devices. Just about any modern browser will let you access your remote desktop, and there’s support for Windows, Mac, HTML5, and Android users.
With the Windows Virtual Desktop service, you have unlimited capacity, and all your Virtual Machines chat with each other over an outbound connection that is secure. Depending on your number of users, you can distribute them effectively across several Virtual Machines.
If you’re using other apps such as Office365 or OneNote, there is support provided too. Using Microsoft’s Virtual Desktop software, in combination with their OneDrive storage solution, makes a great deal of sense if you’re a business that is on the go, and/or looking to scale up.
Check in with us to find out what Microsoft programs you are running, what storage contracts you have currently, and see if we can assist you in selecting the right Virtual Desktop plan for your business.
Connect Your PC to Other Devices
Microsoft Office software and apps connect to your PC using tiny pieces of software called drivers. Even in a virtual environment, automatic driver updates can ensure that all your computers and peripherals are working as intended.
The easy way to ensure that your PCs drivers are functioning properly is with SolveiQ. SolveIQ software will inventory your computer, locate the best drivers automatically, and guide you through the installation process, so you can spend more time on other things.