What is Windows Virtual Desktop? - Benefits and Requirements of WVD 2021

Today, work-from-anywhere is becoming increasingly common amongst professionals. With big tech companies, like Facebook and Apple, allowing their employees to permanently work from home, it is clear that this trend isn't going anywhere.  Studies have even shown that 62% of employed Americans have worked from home during the COVID-19 Crisis and 59% of remote worked would work remotely as much as possible if their employer let them. With your employees working remotely, it is important that they have access to their documents, files, and software easily and securely. If you don’t already utilize a Windows Virtual Desktop, this might be the answer you are looking for.  

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What is Windows Virtual Desktop?

A virtual desktop is like having your entire workspace stored securely in the cloud, accessible from anywhere and on any device. It eliminates the need for local storage of files, folders, software, and toolbars, providing users with the flexibility to access their personalized desktop environment seamlessly through the cloud.

Windows Virtual desktop is Microsoft's own virtual desktop service. This service runs on Microsoft's cloud platform, Azure, and lists a variety of capabilities can be done through the service including:

• Creating a full desktop virtualization environment without any additional gateway servers 
• Publishing unlimited large host pools as needed 
• Set up a multi-session Windows 10 deployment that delivers a full Windows 10 with scalability 
• Virtualize Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise and optimize it to run in multi-user virtual scenarios 
• Provide Windows 7 virtual desktops with free Extended Security Updates 
• Bring your existing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Windows Server desktops and apps to any computer 
• Virtualize both desktops and apps 
• Manage Windows 10, Windows Server, and Windows 7 desktops and apps with a unified management experience 

Windows Virtual Desktop vs. Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop Services, also known as RDS, is a cutting-edge virtualization solution that enables seamless access to Windows software and the full desktop experience from any remote client device supporting the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This feature-rich service not only ensures secure and mobile-friendly remote desktop access but also facilitates the smooth operation of applications and desktop environments.

While both Windows Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Services offer similar functionalities, they each come with unique features that may influence your organization's choice. For expert guidance on selecting the right service for your organization, reach out to Datalink Networks for a complimentary consultation today.

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Benefits of Windows Virtual Desktop

1. Flexibility and Scalability

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) allows users to access their personal desktop, along with all their files and data from any device or location, providing flexibility to those within your organization. When employees need to work remotely or have a hybrid schedule, WVD allows them to simply access their desktop without lugging a device between their homes and work. This has become crucial for organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic as organizations across the world adjust to the new normal of remote work environments. 

Along with increased flexibility for individual employees, Windows Virtual Desktop enables organization to easily scale up or down. When rounds of hiring or layoffs occur within your organization, you do not have to worry about setting up or tearing down infrastructure, creating new images, or deploying apps. Upsizing, downsizing, or simply re-organization is simple through Windows Virtual Desktop. 

 2. Cost Savings

The simplicity that Windows Virtual Desktop brings your organization directly translates into saving from a variety of different sources. First, by maintaining your infrastructure through Azure you can pay 5 times less compared to AWS or other cloud platforms. By using the cloud instead of on-premise infrastructures, you can save money on power and reduce the physical footprint.  

Additionally, Microsoft has a scaling tool called Azure Automate which can save you money on your Windows Virtual Desktop deployment costs by shutting down and deallocation sessions during off-peak usage hours and turning them back on reallocating them during peak hours.  

With less infrastructure, your organization will require less labor to maintain it. This will save you money on labor costs and allow your IT team to focus on their day-to-day tasks or long-term projects. On the same note, you will have reduced maintenance costs as all upgrades and maintenance will take place through one central unit and cover all desktops at once, rather than over several individual machines.  

As mentioned previously, Windows Virtual Server is compatible with nearly any device. This allows your organization to implement a "bring your own device", or BYOD, policy. By requesting that your staff purchase their own tablets, computers, or other devices, your organization can save money purchasing devices, an annual cost of roughly $350 per worker. While there may be security concerns with this type of policy, it may be something for your organization to consider.  

3. Enhanced Security Features

Windows Virtual Desktop provides a high level of security for your organization. This service runs through the Azure Cloud which has top-notch security features. In fact, Microsoft invests $1 billion annually on cybersecurity and has thousands of security experts to ensure user data security. Additionally, Windows Virtual Desktop is always up to date, and will continually have the latest security features that Microsoft offers. 

While Microsoft does what they can to make their platform inherently secure, they also have a guide with best security practices for Windows Virtual Desktop. This guide includes enabling Azure Security Center to manage vulnerabilities and assess compliance, requiring Multi-Factor Authentication for all users and admin, and enabling conditional access to manage risk. 

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Requirements of Windows Virtual Desktop

In order to set up a Windows Virtual Desktop, you need to ensure that your organization has compatible operating systems and licensing for your users as shown in the chart below.  

Additionally, your organization's infrastructure needs to meet the following criteria to support and connect to your Windows Virtual Desktop: 

• Azure Active Directory 
• Windows Server Active Directory in sync with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) 
• Azure Subscription with a virtual network containing or connecting to the Active Directories 
• User must be sources from same Active Directory that’s connected to Azure AD 
• UPN subscribing to Windows Virtual Desktop must exist in the Azure AD domain 

When you create the Azure virtual machines for your Windows Virtual Desktop, they must be joined with either a standard domain or a hybrid active directory. IT must also be running one of the supported operating system images.  

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This diagram from Microsoft shows their typical setup for Windows Virtual Desktop. 

Conclusion

In the realm of remote desktop solutions, Windows Virtual Desktop emerges as a cutting-edge and transformative offering from Microsoft. While Remote Desktop Services have traditionally been the preferred choice, they may not deliver the extensive range of features and advantages that Windows Virtual Desktop brings to the table.

By leveraging Windows Virtual Desktop, organizations can unlock a myriad of benefits, including significant cost savings, unparalleled flexibility, and robust security features. This innovative solution has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate in the digital landscape, empowering employees to work seamlessly from any location while ensuring the utmost protection of sensitive data.

Embracing Windows Virtual Desktop is not just a technological upgrade; it is a strategic move towards optimizing efficiency, enhancing productivity, and fortifying cybersecurity measures within your organization. To delve deeper into the realm of this transformative technology, we encourage you to connect with Datalink Networks today and embark on a journey towards a more streamlined and secure remote working environment.