What is AVD and is it the right solution for my business?

The Covid-19 pandemic caused many businesses to re-think where and how their employees use IT resources. A number of our customers moved aggressively to remote and mobile computing to expand their reach geographically in order to attract customers as well as human resources. If your business has considered this, AVD may be an attractive means of moving forward.

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a desktop virtualization service. Users can have a secure remote network they are able to access anywhere and on any device having Internet capability. The service integrates with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, facilitating greater productivity and collaboration among connected users. AVD functions entirely from the cloud while enabling full-feature native support for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android operating systems.

One of the significant benefits of AVD is it can replace or supplement on-site servers, facilitating simplification of IT infrastructure while providing a lower-cost path for scaling as businesses grow and continue to exploit the benefits of remote working environments. Simply said, AVD can expand IT capabilities with a lower investment in hardware and maintenance than we have experienced in the past.
“So where do I sign up?” you say. I say, “Not so fast?!”

We recommend and implement AVD for our clients where it fits into their business strategy and budget. So, what does a good fit for AVD look like? Here are some of the qualifiers:

• Access to reliable, fast Internet services.
• Microsoft 365 Business.
• The need for secure remote connections and the ability to protect sensitive data.
• A sizable number of employees are remote and/or mobile users (or plans to get there).
• Willing and able to invest in the upfront cost of implementation.
• A commitment to user training and education. This is a new way of working for most.
• Strategies for expanding the business to take advantage of the benefits of AVD.
• IT consulting and support resources that understand AVD and Azure.

Does one need to meet all the qualifications listed above? No, not all, but as always, please understand the risk of moving ahead with innovative technology before you, your employees, and your IT team are fully informed and prepared.

In summary, AVD is a powerful tool for facilitating business expansion and for leveraging the benefits of remote and mobile computing. Connect with an IT consultant or Managed Services Provider that has successfully implemented AVD to find out if this powerful technology is right for your business.