Key Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktops For Atlanta & Charlotte Organizations

Key Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktops

Today’s business environment is very dynamic. Businesses are constantly evolving in response to changes in the social and technological spheres. Currently, businesses are repositioning themselves to fit in the post-pandemic era. Events from the pandemic season have shown that businesses need to strike a balance between personal and business life for their employees to enhance productivity.

One way of achieving this balance is adopting the hybrid workplace model enabled by Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). While you can make this shift on your own, you may need partners such as 360 Smart Networks to reap the full benefits of AVD. Read on to discover how AVD can help you incorporate remote and hybrid workplace models as a way of increasing your employees’ productivity.

What is Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?

Azure Virtual Desktop, previously known as Windows Virtual Desk (WVD), is a desktop and application that runs on the cloud to deliver virtual services. AVD allows users to access desktops and apps from any location provided they have a connection. Your workers can access their office desktop and other applications either from their home, a café, or any preferred location.

Access to the desktop from virtual locations, however, does not mean your employees will work entirely remotely. Most businesses are finding it convenient to use the hybrid workplace model.

Understanding the Hybrid Workplace Model

Virtual access is meant to enhance convenience in your workers’ operations without jeopardizing their role in the business. Your workers partly work from home and partly at their official workstations. Combining the remote and in-person models of operation is what is referred to as the hybrid workplace model.

The hybrid model helps your workers to have a life-work balance. A work-life balance means the workers are able to attend to their personal needs and later complete official tasks without the need to travel to the office. Allowing your workers the privilege of working from their place of convenience has the following advantages to your business:

• Reduces absenteeism, since workers can attend to personal matters and finish their assignments away from the office
• A hybrid workplace model enhances productivity. Your works have their preferences. There are those who work better in the office and others who enjoy working in an informal setup. Giving the workers the freedom to choose their workstation improves their morale and productivity.
• Enhances efficiency as workers do not waste time traveling to the office
• Reduces production costs by cutting down on rent expenses
• Finally, a hybrid model allows you to tap talent as you can hire experts from any location

Actualizing a Hybrid Workplace Model

A hybrid model requires a seamless connection between the office and your workers’ virtual locations. Your IT support provider should advise you on the hardware and software required to create a hybrid workplace. For instance, the IT support team is likely to recommend the Azure Virtual Desktop owing to the benefits listed below.

Supports a Hybrid Workplace Model

The main aim of a virtual connection is to allow workers to access their tasks either from the office or their preferred location. AVD allows your workers to work from any location and deliver results similar or better than what they would have delivered working from the office. Furthermore, workers can complete their fieldwork assignments without the need to travel back to the office. The ability to access desktops from any location enhances your workers’ flexibility and productivity.

Easy Installation

AVD runs in the cloud and, as a result, it does not require an on-premise server and other infrastructure required by an onsite solution. Your business will save some cash for other investments if you choose the AVD over other virtual desktops. In addition, you do not need complex infrastructure to run Azure Virtual Desktops. Installing the AVD will, therefore, not interfere with your day-to-day operations.

Reduced Running and Maintenance Cost

The cost of running a virtual desktop depends on the number of virtual desktops used by your business. AVD allows you to easily upscale or downscale the number of desktops in use depending on your needs. The flexibility reduces wastage by allowing you to pay only for what you need. In addition to the reduced installation costs, AVD reduces your maintenance costs.

Enhanced Security

Data is the most valuable asset, not only in a hybrid workplace model but in the business world at large. Since your workers will be handling sensitive data from locations other than the office, a hybrid system may increase your cybersecurity risk. However, AVD mitigates the risk to your data security through the following ways:

• Cloud Backup and Recovery

Azure Virtual Desktop stores data in the cloud. In case a remote worker’s PC is stolen, the risk of losing the data is minimal since the data can be recovered from the cloud. In addition, AVD uses multifactor authentication log-in to access the desktop. Multifactor authentication reduces the risk of unauthorized access in case the hardware is stolen or misplaced.

• Enhanced Security Features

Other than storing the data in the cloud, AVD uses enhanced security features such as Azure Security Center, Sentinel, Microsoft Defender ATP, and multifactor authentication. The security features minimize the risk of cyberattacks through remote connections.

High Speed

You will need a seamless connection to make your hybrid workplace model a success. Azure Virtual Desktop uses cloud computing technology, which has a speed high enough to enable flawless operations.

Talk to a Microsoft Azure Expert In Atlanta & Charlotte

Using Azure Virtual Desktops offers great benefits to your hybrid workplace model. However, installing AVD may not be straightforward. You will need to consider regulatory compliance requirements for your business, train your staff, as well as assess the need for assistance in running the hybrid model. AVD works well for most businesses, but it is still good to consult with your IT support team. The team will assess your specific needs and offer guidance.

At 360 Smart Networks, we provide IT support and consultation to businesses regardless of their size. Our team will help you explore other benefits of Azure Virtual Desktops, depending on the nature of your business. Contact us today at (770) 518-7087 for more information.