Windows virtual desktops, also known as Azure virtual desktops are a form of hosted desktop provided by Microsoft and running on their Azure cloud platform.
Hosted desktops run “in the cloud”, meaning on a server off-premises, rather than on your local machine. As the user, you then access the desktop from your local machine over an internet connection. As well as “hosted desktops” and “virtual desktops”, these are also known as a Desktop as a Service or DaaS.
As an alternative to running your desktop on a local machine, virtual desktops offer an affordable and scalable solution for companies looking to save money on their hardware while still having a reliable desktop solution for their team members to use. Over the past few years, the rise in remote work has shown many businesses the benefit of cloud-hosted IT infrastructure, and after embracing cloud storage, virtual desktops are the next logical step to take.
One thing we’ve learned from our extensive experience with managed IT services, New York businesses are always ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting new technologies. As a part of our focus on the future of business technology, Carden IT Services have included Windows virtual desktop support as part of our offering of managed IT services in New York.
If your business is not already using virtual hosted desktops, here’s some of the benefits that our clients have been enjoying.
How Virtual Desktop Can Reduce Your Costs
Initial IT setup costs can be expensive, especially for a small business or a start-up. The hardware, software, and expertise required for even a few people in an office quickly adds up, especially when ongoing maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacements are considered.
Windows hosted desktops run on a subscription basis as part of Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. Microsoft itself covers the hardware and maintenance costs of its data centres, and as a customer you just pay a monthly fee based on the amount of cloud computing you use.
Companies can make great savings, both initially and in the long term, by using virtual hosted desktops. Reducing the amount your business spends on hardware frees up funds to be used on staff, training, or other vital investments in your business.
Why Virtual Desktops Are A Great Option For Remote Workers
There are different reasons that businesses might choose to have their team work remotely, whether it’s due to an emergency or a more permanent shift in the way they organise their business. Whatever the reason, your business technology should ideally make this decision easier, and not more difficult.
With a Windows virtual hosted desktop, your team can access their workspace from anywhere in the world, whether it’s their home, a co-working space, while commuting, or even abroad. So long as there is a reliable internet connection, they can have the same experience remotely as they would sitting at their desk. As remote working becomes more commonplace, virtual hosted desktops help bring flexibility to your team’s work.
Improved Cybersecurity
As a user, when you connect to the Windows Virtual Hosted Desktop from your local machine, you do this via Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol Gateway (RPD Gateway). This gateway features SSL technology, which means that data sent or received over that connection is encrypted and cannot be read while in transit.
Using a remote hosted desktop also increases the security of your data. Because your data is housed in the cloud rather and is not stored locally. This means that if your employee’s device is lost or stolen, there is no data on that device which could be extracted by a third party.
Microsoft’s Azure cloud team also includes cybersecurity experts with decades of experience. Combine this with Carden IT Services’ cybersecurity expertise and security access controls and you significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.
Scalability
Many businesses’ IT needs evolve over time. Small firms are the most affected because their IT systems are regularly changed and reconfigured as their company expands. These changes, however, can be costly and inconvenient. Virtual desktops, on the other hand, are extremely scalable, allowing businesses to adjust their service level as needed.
Virtual Desktops Are Dependable
The service level of Microsoft’s Azure platform is one of the most reliable in the cloud computing industry. They operate on a 99.99% monthly uptime guarantee. That’s less than one hour of downtime a year.
These are just some of the reasons why companies are migrating to virtual desktops. If you’re thinking about adopting virtual desktops, whether through Microsoft Azure or another platform, you should speak with Carden IT Services today.
