5.3. Windows Virtual Desktop

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), now known as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), is Microsoft’s comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service hosted on the cloud. It enables the virtualization of desktops and applications, allowing users to access them remotely and providing a secure, scalable solution for a modern workforce. In this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the service’s capabilities, architecture, deployment strategies, management, and security aspects, as well as its place within the wider context of remote work solutions.

Understanding Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

At its core, Azure Virtual Desktop is a service that delivers on the promise of a remote desktop experience, providing both the end-user with a virtualized interface to their work environment and the IT administrator with a set of management tools. It leverages Azure’s robust cloud infrastructure to host virtualized desktops and applications, which are then accessible from virtually any device with an internet connection.

Features and Capabilities

● Multi-session Windows 10 and Windows 11: AVD uniquely offers a multi-session Windows 10 and Windows 11 experience, which is not available outside of Azure. This means that multiple users can share the same VM resources while having a secure and isolated experience.
● Optimization for Microsoft 365: AVD is optimized for Microsoft 365 apps, which ensures a high level of performance for productivity applications within the virtual desktop environment.
● Support for RemoteApp: Administrators can deploy individual applications hosted on Azure as RemoteApps. Users can access these apps without launching a full desktop session, making it a streamlined experience.
● FSLogix technology: AVD incorporates FSLogix solutions, which enhance the user experience by providing faster load times for user profiles and helping to maintain the state between sessions.

Architecture and Components

AVD operates using a combination of Azure resources and services. The primary components include:

● Azure Active Directory (AAD): Serves as the identity provider and manages the authentication of users and devices.
● Azure Virtual Machines: Host the desktops and applications. They can be personalized and come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different workloads.
● Azure Storage: Used for storing user profiles and data, typically employing Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files for high performance and reliability.
● Azure Networking: Ensures secure and reliable connectivity between the virtual desktops, Azure services, and on-premises networks if necessary.

Deployment Strategies

Deploying AVD can vary in complexity based on the scale and requirements of the organization. Here’s an overview of the deployment process:

1. Planning: Identifying the right type and size of VMs, the required network setup, and the storage needs.
2. Networking and Connectivity: Setting up virtual networks, VPNs, or ExpressRoute to ensure secure and seamless connectivity.
3. Virtual Machines and Image Preparation: Selecting the appropriate VM sizes and configuring the images with the necessary OS and applications.
4. Profile Management: Implementing FSLogix to manage user profiles and ensure they are separate from the VM for persistence across sessions.

Scaling and Automation: Using Azure’s scaling capabilities to manage the number of VMs based on demand, and automating this with scripts or Azure’s own scaling plans.