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Azure Virtual Desktop is ranked #1 in the DaaS Providers product directory based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

Azure Virtual Desktop Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Azure Virtual Desktop pricing starts at $2 (Per VM, Monthly).

Price
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Starting From
$2.34
Pricing Model
Per VM, Monthly
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

Azure Virtual Desktop is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Azure Virtual Desktop:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Azure Virtual Desktop Benefits and Insights

Why use Azure Virtual Desktop?

Key differentiators & advantages of Azure Virtual Desktop

  • Cost Efficiency: Reduce expenses by eliminating the need for physical hardware and minimizing maintenance costs.
  • Scalability: Easily scale up or down based on demand, ensuring optimal resource utilization without over-provisioning.
  • Enhanced Security: Benefit from built-in security features like multi-factor authentication and conditional access to protect sensitive data.
  • Remote Accessibility: Enable employees to access their desktops and applications from anywhere, fostering remote work and flexibility.
  • Centralized Management: Simplify IT operations with centralized management of virtual desktops, reducing administrative overhead.
  • Business Continuity: Ensure uninterrupted operations with disaster recovery solutions and high availability configurations.
  • Improved Collaboration: Facilitate seamless collaboration by providing consistent desktop environments across different locations.
  • Compliance Support: Meet industry-specific compliance requirements with Azure's comprehensive compliance certifications and standards.
  • Performance Optimization: Leverage Azure's global infrastructure to deliver high-performance virtual desktops with low latency.
  • Integration with Microsoft 365: Enhance productivity by integrating seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications and services.

Industry Expertise

Azure Virtual Desktop is best suited for organizations that have experience with virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions and want to provide their employees with a secure, remote Windows desktop experience. This software is ideal for businesses that need to manage a large number of desktops and applications, and it offers a high level of customization and control over the virtual desktop environment.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Azure Virtual Desktop reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Simplified Management: Azure Virtual Desktop streamlines deploying and managing virtual desktops, relieving IT teams of complex infrastructure tasks.
  • Enhanced Security: Robust security features, including multi-factor authentication and encryption, safeguard sensitive data and applications, a top priority for businesses.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The pay-as-you-go model optimizes costs, allowing businesses to scale resources based on demand, similar to adjusting your electricity usage monthly.
  • Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration: Businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem can leverage existing licenses, maximizing their technology ROI.

Cons

  • Performance Issues: Users have reported slow execution speeds, particularly during demanding tasks, which can hinder productivity.
  • Latency Problems: While generally praised for responsiveness, some users experience occasional latency, especially during peak hours or with graphically intensive applications, leading to a less fluid workflow.
  • Printing Challenges: Integrating local printing with a virtual environment can be complex, and users have reported issues with printer compatibility and performance, creating inconvenience in office settings.

Researcher's Summary:

Is Azure Virtual Desktop a virtual slam dunk for businesses seeking robust VDI solutions? User reviews from the past year suggest a resounding yes, but with a few caveats. Azure Virtual Desktop consistently wows users with its impressive scalability, allowing organizations to effortlessly adjust resources based on their needs, much like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings. This dynamic scalability ensures businesses only pay for what they use, maximizing cost-efficiency.

Furthermore, Azure Virtual Desktop shines in its seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, a boon for organizations already entrenched in the world of Microsoft 365. This synergy streamlines workflows and simplifies management for IT departments. However, some users have voiced concerns about occasional latency issues, particularly during peak hours, which can momentarily disrupt productivity. Additionally, managing images for non-persistent desktops can present a slight learning curve for some.

Despite these minor hiccups, Azure Virtual Desktop's strengths in scalability, security, and integration with Microsoft 365 make it a compelling choice for organizations of all sizes, especially those already leveraging the power of Microsoft's ecosystem. Its ability to deliver a high-performance virtual desktop experience while simplifying IT management makes it a true game-changer in the VDI arena.

Key Features

Notable Azure Virtual Desktop features include:

  • Scalability: Easily scale up or down based on your organization's needs, accommodating fluctuating workloads without hassle.
  • Multi-Session Windows 10: Run multiple concurrent user sessions on a single Windows 10 instance, optimizing resource usage and reducing costs.
  • Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365: Provides a smooth experience with Microsoft 365 apps, ensuring productivity tools are readily accessible.
  • Enhanced Security: Leverage Azure's built-in security features, including multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies, to protect sensitive data.
  • Cost Management: Utilize Azure's cost management tools to monitor and optimize spending, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
  • Remote App Streaming: Stream individual applications to users, providing access to specific tools without the need for a full desktop environment.
  • Flexible Deployment Options: Choose from a variety of deployment models, including hybrid and cloud-only, to best suit your infrastructure needs.
  • Centralized Management: Manage all virtual desktops and applications from a single, unified interface, simplifying administrative tasks.
  • High Availability: Ensure continuous availability with built-in redundancy and failover capabilities, minimizing downtime.
  • Customizable User Experience: Tailor the desktop environment to meet specific user requirements, enhancing productivity and satisfaction.
  • Support for Various Devices: Access virtual desktops from a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring flexibility for users.
  • Integration with Azure Active Directory: Simplify user management and authentication by integrating with Azure AD, leveraging existing identities and policies.
  • Optimized for Teams: Experience improved performance and reliability when using Microsoft Teams within the virtual desktop environment.
  • Persistent and Non-Persistent Desktops: Choose between persistent desktops for a consistent user experience or non-persistent desktops for stateless, temporary sessions.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring and Diagnostics: Utilize Azure Monitor and other diagnostic tools to track performance, identify issues, and ensure optimal operation.
  • Application Compatibility: Run legacy and modern applications seamlessly, ensuring compatibility across different software versions.
  • Global Reach: Deploy virtual desktops in data centers around the world, providing low-latency access to users regardless of their location.
  • Automated Updates: Keep your virtual desktops up-to-date with automated patching and updates, reducing administrative overhead.
  • Disaster Recovery: Implement robust disaster recovery plans with Azure Site Recovery, ensuring business continuity in case of unexpected events.
  • API and PowerShell Support: Automate and customize your virtual desktop environment using APIs and PowerShell scripts, enhancing operational efficiency.