Introduction to Windows Virtual Desktop

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a comprehensive cloud-based desktop and app virtualization service running on the Azure cloud. It is the only service that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, and support for Remote Desktop Services Environments (RDS). Windows Virtual Desktop allows you to deploy and scale Windows desktops and apps for employees on Azure in minutes, with built-in security and compliance.

Windows Virtual Desktop enables the capabilities of multi-session Windows 10, which is only in Azure. This is a unique feature that is not only exclusive to WVD but it provides full user-access to a Windows 10 experience and Office365 support while taking advantage of shared computing resources. It has only previously been available with server-based virtualization.

User Experience

WVD allows users to connect from any device. The WVD experience on Mac and any other OS is identical to its native OS. Due to its usage of application containerization, it has extremely fast logon times. For Windows device users, the experience is like having a “link-local” Windows experience with Office365 apps and Teams integrated into the solution.

Cost Benefits

WVD reduces costs by reducing Infrastructure, Licensing, and Labor. With multi-session Windows 10, you don’t have to set up a virtual machine per individual employee and thus optimize your resources to accommodate employee needs.
On top of that, WVD is free to use with many existing licenses so you no longer have to pay for Remote Desktop CAL licenses. Best of all, you could easily save more with the move from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to the Platform as a Service (PaaS). This improves your budget and reduces labor costs by removing the need to manage core services like broker/gateway/web access, etc.
Another nice feature that WVD has is that Windows 7 machines can be used for Azure migration services, using tools like Azure Migrate and/or Azure Site Recovery (ASR). This can be done either from on-premises to Azure or even between Azure regions. Instead of spending resources like time and money on licenses and new computers, you can give your employees a Windows 10 experience for a fraction of the cost.

Where to start?

Here are some resources for Windows Virtual Desktop:

• Introduction to Windows Virtual Desktop from Microsoft Learning
• Windows Virtual Desktop Documentation
• A tour of Windows Virtual Desktop - Microsoft Ignite Presentation

At CSW Solutions, we are excited about the opportunity to help businesses take their next step in using Windows Virtual Desktop to improve their growth strategy and streamline operations! Contact us today for your digital transformation.