There are major advantages of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), including remote work flexibility, the ability to access work product from any device, and improved data security. Here’s what you need to know about Microsoft VDI.

Azure VDI, commonly known as Microsoft VDI, is a desktop and application virtualization service provided by Microsoft that operates using the Cloud.

Microsoft VDI lets you do the following:

• Configure a multi-session deployment of Windows 10 that delivers a full Windows experience that is scalable
• Optimize Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise for multi-user virtualization and virtualization as a service
• Deliver extended security updates for Windows 10 virtual desktops
• Access your current Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Windows Server desktops and applications from any device

• Create virtual environments for devices and apps
• Utilize unified management capabilities for Windows 10, Windows Server, and Windows 11 desktops and apps

Microsoft VDI offers you the opportunity to create an adaptable and flexible environment.

• Install a comprehensive virtual desktop environment in your Azure VDI subscription so that you won't need to run any gateway servers.
• Manage the volume of host pools necessary to support your dynamic workloads and tasks.

• Share resources across multiple sessions and reduce costs. Microsoft's new Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session feature, exclusively for the Microsoft VDI and Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) roles on Windows Server, allows you to drastically reduce virtual machines and operating system (OS) overhead while maintaining the same resources for your users.
• Permit individualized control via personal desktops.

Traditional virtualization solutions cannot compare with the benefits of Microsoft VDI. Here's how Microsoft Azure VDI offers the following benefits:

Lowered overheads

To reduce the cost of running virtual desktops with Windows OS -- such as Windows 10 or Windows 11 -- while maintaining the capability to run desktops and applications on a virtual desktop, businesses can move to Azure and manage their desktops and applications efficiently.

By allowing users to run session-based desktops on Azure virtual machines (VMs), the Windows 10 Virtual Desktop can reduce costs in the Cloud, allowing for improved utilization of expensive resources. The Microsoft licensing costs could be reduced by simplifying licensing for Windows 10 on Microsoft VDI environments, by not requiring additional Client Access Licenses (CALs) for access, as a Server OS would be required, and not requiring additional licenses for the use of Windows 10.

Offers versatility

IT staff and end-users benefit from moving Office IT infrastructure to the Cloud.

Users can use a variety of mobile devices and browsers to log in to their desktops and applications. Microsoft VDI has been optimized to work with Office 365 applications, making the end-user experience more intuitive and seamless.

IT staff no longer have to run physical machines or manage local networks that much after migrating to the Cloud. After migrating to the Cloud, all your apps, data, and resources will be available.

Microsoft VDI supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 desktops, making desktop applications easier to manage. The staff can create personal and persistent desktop images from the images of an existing desktop.

This is because user-profiles and apps are stored in separate containers in Microsoft VDI so that the scalability and flexibility of the application can be increased.

Compatible with Microsoft Office 365

In addition to the above, the primary advantage of moving to Microsoft VDI is the availability of virtually infinite resources and services in the Cloud and better integration with the Office 365 suite. Microsoft's Office 365 products, themselves hosted on the Microsoft Cloud, are expected to perform better on Microsoft VDI environments. The desktop experience of other applications, which require the minimum amount of latency to the desktop, would be improved. A virtual graphics processor will also be available for graphics-intensive applications.

GCSIT specializes in giving businesses the support and resources necessary to successfully integrate Microsoft VDI into their IT systems. To learn how GCSIT can help you improve your productivity and efficiency, please reach out to our representatives to schedule a comprehensive consultation with our professionals. To learn more about the benefits of agile infrastructure, please download our whitepaper.

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