Windows Virtual Desktop is a desktop and app virtualization service which runs on the cloud.
In a network environment, the term “virtual desktop” refers to user interfaces which use software to expand beyond the physical limits of the screen’s display area. This capability makes up for limited desktop area and can significantly reduce desktop clutter.
Windows Virtual Desktop is a Windows operating system that permits administrators to have the interface and usability of a Windows 10 environment – while only using the resources of a terminal server. Up until this version of a virtual desktop, the user-friendly features of Windows 10 were not available. Users did not have access to many features, and some third-party apps were inoperable. Another issue was that in any prior virtual desktop environment, administrators encountered licensing issues and had to setup one virtual desktop for each individual user – a very resource intensive process.
According to the Microsoft website, here are some of the capabilities of the service:
- Establish a multi-session Windows 10 deployment that delivers fully scalable Windows 10 capability
- Virtualize Office 365 ProPlus and optimize it to operate in multi-user virtual scenarios
- Allow Windows 7 virtual desktops with Extended Security Updates included
- Virtualize both desktops and apps
- Consolidate the management of Windows 10, Windows Server, and Windows 7 desktops and apps.
What Else Can Virtual Desktop Do?
Windows Virtual Desktop allows companies to set up a flexible environment which is highly scalable. It allows IT professionals to create a full desktop virtualization environment without having to utilize any additional gateway servers. Other capabilities include:
- Publish as many host pools as necessary to accommodate diverse workloads.
- Lower costs by utilizing pooled, multi-session resources.
- Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session capability
- Using Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH), you can minimize the number of virtual machines while still providing equal resources to your users.
- Offer individual ownership through personal (persistent) desktops.
To start and manage your virtualization environment, the first step is to set up an Azure subscription.
Windows Virtual Desktop For the SMB Business Owner
Needless to say, conversations about this type of environment may go right over the heads of those who are not IT professionals. Therefore, a small to medium sized business owner may not even know the questions to ask. If you are looking for ways to streamline your network and think that desktop virtualization may be a solution, the experts at Alliance IT would be happy to discuss it with you. Our experts can assess your current environment, analyze the equipment you are utilizing, and make recommendations which are appropriate for your business, capabilities and budget. This is done via a business technology assessment.
Managed services may be the perfect solution for any organization who is looking to operate strategically while not having to expand their IT department, hire more personnel, or stay up to date with ever-evolving technology. Start 2020 off right – call Alliance IT to set up a consultation regarding your next logical step in virtualization
