What Is the Point of Windows Virtual Desktop?
Many took the first step towards home office with the introduction of Microsoft Teams. At the same time, this sets a basic building block for Windows Virtual Desktop. But even without this module, Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop can be useful for you and can be set up individually.
What is Windows Virtual Desktop?
Windows Virtual Desktop, also known as WVD for short, is a desktop-as-a-service platform that is available in the cloud and is offered in addition to the Microsoft Azure cloud. All infrastructure services such as switching service, external web access, load balancing as well as administration and monitoring are set up within the framework of the WVD.
What are the special features for WVD?
So far, Windows 10 only supports the single session mode, i.e. only one user can log on to a virtual Windows 10 VM (virtual machine). Windows Virtual Desktop only offers the option of using Windows 10 for multiple sessions.
In addition, you can also create Windows 10 environments that are optimized for Office 365 ProPlus services. WVD also supports Windows 7 virtual desktops. Windows 7 desktops on WVD are also the only systems receiving free extended security updates.
What other advantages do I get with Windows Virtual Desktop?
- Access to company data in a secure environment
- Access to company applications in a secure environment
What types of Windows Virtual Desktop are available to me?
WVD enables the virtualization of complete desktops and remote apps:
- Host Pools = Several Windows Virtual Desktops are made available in one or more pools. The employee is provided with the desktop at random and for load balancing (high reliability).
- Personal virtual desktops = Personal Windows virtual desktops are provided for certain employees (lower reliability).
- RemoteApps = streamed applications are made available for every employee.
How does WVD work?
The user starts the RD client. This establishes a connection to Azure AD and logs in. The Azure AD returns the token. The RD client identifies itself to the web access via the token. The broker queries the database to determine the resources for the authorized user. The user selects the required resource (s) and the RD Client then connects to the gateway.
Managed IT services are particularly helpful with assisting you with this transition as well as offering you round the clock care to ensure that the transition is easy and that you are getting the most out of your Windows Virtual Desktop.
“Virtual Desktop” makes the transition easier
If you want to use the service, create an Azure account as an administrator and publish the respective desktops and applications there. Their services are then made available in the form of so-called “feeds”, which users subscribe to with a new client called “Remote Desktop”. This way, businesses can continue to use Windows 7 by hosting their applications and desktops in the Azure cloud.
Above all: These Windows 7 virtual desktop instances will receive free extended security updates until 2023. In addition, virtual desktop users also receive extended access and support to Office 365 ProPlus. But even this solution only means a delay of three years in the end.
Companies therefore absolutely need a migration plan that sorts the different applications. Which are part of the legacy that is technically no longer up-to-date, but is still irreplaceable for the time being? It has to be modernized with a separate effort and a specific IT infrastructure? Virtual desktops make hard work easier and bring security and efficiency.
