The world of work is changing at lightning speed, and keeping up with technology has become imperative for any modern organization. The accelerating pace of digital transformation is forcing businesses to re-think the way they operate in order to remain relevant and useful in today’s fast-changing world. 81% of US workers expect their employers to support remote work – and for that, you need to have the right IT in place.
Virtual desktops have been around for some time now and have proven to be a very useful solution in many organizations. They are particularly helpful for users that need access to multiple computer operating systems, such as Windows 11, at the same time and from the same device.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of Windows 11 Virtual Desktops and how it can help you modernize your workspace.
What is Windows Virtual Desktop?
A virtual desktop, or VD, is a software application that mimics the functionality of a physical computer. Using remote desktop software, VDs enable employees to access their personal computers from anywhere in the world with any device, eliminating the need for them to travel to an office or have a computer at home.
Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop (VD) is a cloud-based desktop and application virtualization service hosted on Microsoft Azure. It enables users to access Windows and all the apps installed on the end user’s computer. With a virtual desktop, you install one instance of Windows on the computer that then allows the user to run the desktop as though it were a separate computer.
Reduced hardware costs
One of the biggest benefits of Windows 11 VD is it reduces hardware costs. By sharing one instance of Windows across a number of virtual desktops, you reduce the amount of hardware required. You also reduce power consumption and cooling costs since the hardware is less powerful.
Virtualization can reduce your hardware costs in two ways: first, you can consolidate your servers. You can reduce the number of servers you need by running multiple applications on a single server. Second, you can use a lower-powered server. Virtualization allows you to run different applications on the same server, which means you can use a lower-powered server.
Virtualize Microsoft 365 apps
Windows 11 VD allows you to access Microsoft 365 apps such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, or Outlook through the power of the cloud. It is particularly handy if you’re collaborating with co-workers or clients in different locations or time zones.
It also means that any changes made to your local version of Microsoft 365 apps won’t affect your other systems, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. And, because you’re running a local version of your system, it’s easy for your IT team to troubleshoot problems and ensure the overall health of your entire system.
Boosted cybersecurity
Organizations often need to run applications and operating systems that aren’t approved for use by their employees. Virtual desktop security risks are low as the data and files is stored on a VPN which will only grant access to the user who owns it. Windows VD also has a lower number of data paths that require inspection, which makes monitoring much easier and quicker.
Windows VD provides the same level of security as its host, Microsoft Azure.
Its cybersecurity features include:
Threat intelligence: collects and analyzes threat intelligence from multiple sources for faster and more comprehensive threat detection.
Advanced Threat Protection: monitors your resources for suspicious activity, and automatically detects and stops these threats before they reach your critical systems.
Microsoft 365 Secure Score: helps organizations measure the security posture of their digital assets by analyzing historical data and real-time events. It gives organizations visibility into their employees’ access, usage, and ownership of data, in addition to providing risk mitigation tools for further protection.
Defender for Cloud: scans your network for threats like viruses, rootkits, and other malware as well as checking suspicious activity on your network such as file transfers or unusual logins.
Secure access
Windows VD secures access to applications and data by running them in isolation. It uses a single instance of Windows installed on a host computer to run multiple virtual desktops. This means you can secure access to each virtual desktop by changing the credentials for each user account.
You can even disable user accounts if necessary. This means that if one user has their credentials stolen, attackers can’t access any of the other virtual desktops.
Get started with Windows 11 Virtual Desktops with expert assistance
Windows 11 VD can help you modernize your workplace, boosting your productivity and security while keeping costs in check. It provides a highly secure solution with the same level of security as your on-premises infrastructure. And, because it’s hosted on Microsoft Azure, you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.
The Microsoft specialists at Technology Solutions can help you implement Windows 11 VD into your business to allow for remote working capabilities, and will fully or co-manage the environment for best performance and security.
