With the ever-increasing demand for virtual desktop and remote access options, businesses are often weighing the pros and cons of Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
Azure Virtual Desktop provides a cloud-based platform that offers a combination of Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). RDS depends on Windows Server OS and does not offer support for multi-session Windows 10.
Microsoft Azure Features/Benefits
The key benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop include:
- Less complicated virtual desktop management
- Support for multi-user Windows 10 and Windows Server VMs
- Complete Windows 10 experience for each individual user
- Consistent desktop experience across numerous devices
- Secure remote access to virtualized desktops and applications
- Guaranteeing data privacy and confidentiality
- Security features including identity management, encryption, and network isolation
- Flexible pricing solutions calculated on usage and consumption
- Scaling resources up or down according to needs in order to manage costs
- Various deployment options, including integration with current on-premises infrastructure
Azure Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Azure Virtual Desktop compatible with Windows Server Operating Systems?
Yes, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop can be utilized with the Windows Server OS (operating system). Licensing and hardware requirements, user access control, network connectivity, and security details must be assessed when using Windows Server OS in Azure Virtual Desktop environments. - Are there compatibility limitations between Windows Server Versions with Azure Virtual Desktop?
The compatibility limitations of Windows Server versions with Azure Virtual Desktop include the absence of meaningful support for Microsoft 365 Apps. This limits users who depend on specific Windows Server versions for the management of their virtual desktop infrastructure and restricts the potential of seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications. - How does the infrastructure management differ between Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Azure Virtual Desktop?
The management of infrastructure between Azure Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Services follows different methods. Azure Virtual Desktop is managed by Microsoft in the Azure cloud, while Remote Desktop Services are managed by the service provider in charge of the infrastructure. - What are the differences between how Azure Virtual Desktop supports company scalability and performance optimization versus RDS?
Azure Virtual Desktop encourages scalability and performance optimization through a strategy of resource allocation, network bandwidth, and load balancing. In comparison to RDS, Azure provides breadth and depth modes for scale and load balancing, allowing cost reduction and improved performance. - Are there limitations when employing Microsoft 365 Apps with Azure Virtual Desktop?
There are some inherent limitations that occur when using Microsoft 365 apps along with Azure Virtual Desktop – in particular, Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 do not support M365 Apps with Azure Virtual Desktop. Licensing requirements and expenses should be considered when contemplating cloud-based integration options.
Azure Virtual Desktop stands out from the competition thanks to its comprehensive management capability and multi-user Windows experience. By way of comparison, RDS is restricted to Windows Server OS, and service providers must necessarily manage the infrastructure. Even with these differences in deployment, both solutions provide virtual desktop and remote access options structured to support unique requirements in a technical, strategic, and analytical way.
At Alliance IT, our team is expert at installing and managing Azure desktop solutions at Sarasota area businesses. If you are ready to take your company to the next level in the cloud and don’t know where to begin, call our team. We will work with you from start to finish to implement the solutions you need.
