Azure Virtual Desktop: Beyond Traditional VDI

Move beyond complex Omnissa Horizon deployments and VMware infrastructure dependencies. Deploy scalable virtual desktops in the cloud as your primary, secondary, or disaster recovery solution.

Simplified Management
Faster Deployment
Enterprise Security
Global Scale

Why Organizations Choose Azure Virtual Desktop

Simplify your VDI environment while reducing infrastructure complexity and operational overhead compared to traditional Horizon deployments.

Simplified Architecture

Eliminate the complexity of Omnissa Horizon connection servers, security servers, and multi-tiered infrastructure management.

  • No connection server management
  • Reduced infrastructure footprint
  • Built-in load balancing

Enhanced Performance & Reliability

Azure's global infrastructure delivers consistent performance with enterprise SLA, without the overhead of traditional VDI components.

  • GPU-enabled virtual machines
  • Global edge network
  • Native disaster recovery

Flexible Deployment Strategy

Use AVD alongside existing infrastructure or as a complete replacement - migrate at your own pace without big-bang upgrades.

  • Coexist with current VDI
  • Gradual user migration
  • DR site alternative

See AVD Automation in Action

Watch how our platform automates the entire Azure Virtual Desktop lifecycle, from user request to deployment.

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Deployment Scenarios That Fit Your Strategy

Whether you're planning a complete migration or a hybrid approach, AVD gives you the flexibility to move at your own pace.

Most Popular

Primary Desktop Environment

Replace your Horizon infrastructure with Azure Virtual Desktop for reduced complexity and improved user experience.

Best For:

  • Organizations ready to modernize VDI
  • Companies with distributed workforces
  • Businesses seeking infrastructure simplification
Operational Benefits: Simplified Management

Secondary Burst Capacity

Keep your existing Horizon environment but use AVD for overflow capacity, new projects, or testing cloud migration.

Best For:

  • Seasonal business fluctuations
  • Temporary project teams
  • Piloting cloud VDI migration
Key Advantage: Risk Mitigation

Disaster Recovery Site

Use AVD as your backup VDI solution - simpler to maintain than replicating complex Horizon infrastructure for DR.

Best For:

  • Business continuity planning
  • Compliance requirements
  • Simplified DR architecture
DR Advantage: No Standby Infrastructure

Comparing VDI Approaches

Understand the operational differences between traditional Horizon deployments and modern Azure Virtual Desktop.

Traditional Horizon VDI

Complex Architecture
Connection Servers Multiple servers required
Security Servers DMZ deployment needed
Load Balancers Separate infrastructure
Management Overhead Multiple components to maintain

Operational Challenges:

  • Complex certificate management
  • Multiple failure points
  • Capacity planning complexity
  • Version compatibility issues

Azure Virtual Desktop

Simplified Service
Service Architecture Fully managed by Microsoft
External Access Built-in secure gateway
Load Balancing Automatic distribution
Management Focus Session hosts and apps only

Operational Benefits:

  • No infrastructure management
  • Automatic scaling
  • Global availability
  • Enterprise security built-in

Operational Comparison

For a typical 500-user deployment:

Horizon Infrastructure 8-12 servers to manage
AVD Infrastructure Session hosts only
Focus on what matters: Your applications and users

Ready to Simplify Your VDI Environment?

Get a custom assessment showing how AVD can streamline your desktop infrastructure.