Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a secure virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) in the Microsoft Azure cloud, enabling remote work and efficient IT management. AVD enables employees to access their remote desktops and applications from virtually anywhere, on any device, provided they have an internet connection.
Why Use Microsoft Azure AVD in Tampa Bay?
Since the Tampa-St. Petersburg area is such a hotbed of remote work AND high growth businesses, Azure AVD is a perfect fit. Both for your employees and for your business.
- Flexibility: Employees can work from home, office, or anywhere else, using any available device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. They can also switch between devices easily, without losing work or settings. This is great for hybrid workers who need to adapt to different situations and locations and may very well apply to your management team as well.
Cost-effectiveness
You don’t need to buy or maintain additional expensive hardware, software, or licenses for your desktops. You only pay for what you use, and you can scale up or down as needed. You can also save on energy and space costs, as you don’t need to run physical servers or computers.
Security
You can protect your data and applications from unauthorized access, malware, or theft, as they are stored in Microsoft’s secure cloud. You can also control who can access what and enforce policies and compliance. You don’t need to worry about losing your data or devices, as you can access them from the cloud anytime.
Simplicity
Users are already used to Windows 10 or 11. AVD offers the same user experience they’re used to.
Scalability
As businesses grow or experience fluctuations in demand, AVD allows for fast and easy scaling of resources, ensuring that companies only pay for what they need. And it GREATLY simplifies onboarding remote employees especially!
How Does It Work?
Azure Virtual Desktop is centered around the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Within the AVD platform, there are either pooled or personal desktops that are set up by Verified Technologies in the Tampa Bay area.
- Personal desktops are dedicated to specific users and are customizable.
- Pooled desktops are shared and less customizable, but they optimize resource util
- An administrator sets up either personal desktops or a pool of session-hosts in the Microsoft Azure cloud. Microsoft Office and any other line-of-business applications, like QuickBooks or Adobe are installed on the AVD host.
- Users with at least a Microsoft 365 Business Premium license access their AVD desktop session using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on their PC, laptop or tablet. Once connected, users run those applications and save any data files within the AVD platform just like they would if they ran those same applications on their own computers.
How much Does Microsoft AVD Cost?
- The cost of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) can vary based on several factors, including the type of users and their usage patterns. Let’s break it down.
- Azure resource consumption costs:
- Session Host Virtual Machines (VMs) host user sessions. Each session host is allocated virtual CPU’s and memory (or Azure Compute) based on the predicted workload and number of concurrent users supported by the session host. Depending on the number of users supported you may need several session hosts in your deployment.
- Storage costs. The OS disk and data storage type will impact costs. OS disks run faster on Premium SSD storage. Your data files and documents can be stored on cheaper traditional HDD storage.
- Bandwidth costs. Data moving in and out of the Azure platform incurs costs. Customers with little or no on-premises server infrastructure don’t require a VPN to connect the AVD environment to your office network. This eliminates data ingress and egress charges.
- License costs:
- AVD users will need at least a Microsoft 365 Business Premium license to access an AVD platform. The current cost for the Business Premium license is $22.00 / month. Chances are your users are already using this license on their regular desktop or laptop to access Outlook and Office Suite so introducing AVD into your environment should only entail adding the session host costs.
- The good news is that you only pay for what you’re using. You only pay for CPU and memory costs when the session host is running. One can optimize Azure Compute costs by using auto-scaling to adjust session hosts uptime so unused systems can be powered off after-hours reducing your monthly costs.
Example scenario of 25 user Microsoft AVD solution
- A 25 user Azure AVD solution with users working a 40 hour week would require an estimated 4 session host AVD configuration. Combined licensing and compute costs would be about $1,920.00 per month or $77.00 per user per month.
- After 36 months the estimated total cost of ownership is roughly $69,000.00. Implementing an on-premises server infrastructure to provide the same functionality would cost an estimated $65,000.00 with these differences when considering an AVD solution.
- With AVD you don’t have to pay upfront for the hardware and software cost.
- With AVD you don’t have to budget for a hardware refresh every 4-5 years.
- With AVD your implementation time is days compared to weeks with an on-premises hardware solution.
- With AVD you can start out small and scale up or down as your business grows.
Transforming Business Operations: Microsoft Azure AVD Scenarios Across Industries
For Legal Practices
Imagine lawyers preparing for a big case. With AVD, they can access case files and collaborate with their team from courtrooms, home offices, or while on the move. It's not just about flexibility; it's about ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive client information with top-notch security measures. Plus, when the caseload increases, AVD allows firms to quickly scale up, adding virtual desktops for temporary staff without a massive investment in new hardware.
For CPA Firms
Picture an accounting firm during the tax rush. Accountants can access client financials and work on them in real-time, directly with clients, without compromising data security. This ability is crucial during long hours and peak seasons, providing the flexibility to work from anywhere. When demand spikes, AVD's scalable nature means the firm can adjust resources on the fly, avoiding unnecessary expenses on physical IT infrastructure.
For Medical Practices
Consider a medical practice embracing telehealth. Physicians can access patient records securely and comply with healthcare regulations, offering consultations from anywhere. This flexibility is vital for patient care, especially in underserved areas. With AVD, scaling up to handle an influx of telehealth appointments is straightforward, ensuring patient care remains uninterrupted without the need for significant upfront IT investments.
The Bottom Line
- For small to medium-sized businesses, particularly in our Tampa Bay area’s service-oriented sectors, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop offers an unparalleled mix of flexibility, security, and cost-efficiency.
- By adopting AVD, businesses can stay agile, secure, and ready to meet the demands of their clients and the market, ensuring a competitive edge in today's fast-paced world. Whether it's a law firm, accounting practice, or medical clinic, AVD provides the tools needed for success in the modern digital landscape.
- I hope the scenario gave you an idea of how much Microsoft AVD might cost per employee. If you want to get a more accurate estimate, simply call us or complete the contact form here.