Small- and medium-sized businesses need flexible, secure, and scalable work environments. Fortunately, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) empowers growing organizations to centralize IT management, streamline onboarding, and protect sensitive data without sacrificing performance.
In this guide, we’ll break down what AVD is, how it compares to other solutions like Windows 365, and why it might be the right move for your business. If you’re ready to reduce risk, simplify IT, and support a hybrid workforce—this is for you.
Table of Contents
What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
AVD is a robust desktop and app virtualization service that enables users to access their desktop environments and all their applications and data, regardless of their location or device.
Unlike traditional virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions, AVD is built natively in the Microsoft Azure platform, giving your business cloud-native agility with enterprise-grade security and cost-efficiency.
Benefits of AVD Over Traditional VDI Solutions
Security
Centralize your data in a secure environment, so it’s no longer spread across individual devices. That means fewer security risks, less hassle with updates and VPNs, and no more managing every employee’s computer separately.
Automation
Save time by automating how devices are set up and managed, so your team can focus on strategic initiatives instead of maintenance.
Improved Performance
It’s easy for employees to start using laptops right away, no setup needed. By automating device imaging through centralized systems, AVD cuts out long setup times and minimizes downtime.
Reliability
Secure backups and protect against drive failures with the centralized profile data storage of FSLogix, while using the backup solutions in Azure.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Organization
Microsoft offers two cloud desktop options – Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365. While they may seem similar, they’re designed for different business needs.
If you’re unsure which is the right fit for your organization, the side-by-side comparison chart breaks down the differences.
Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop
| Feature | Windows 365 | Azure Virtual Desktop |
|---|---|---|
|
Feature |
Cloud PC |
Virtual desktop, PaaS |
|
Setup & Management |
Simple, minimal IT effort |
Complex, requires Azure expertise |
|
User Experience |
Personal desktop/Single session |
Single-session and multi-session |
|
Pricing |
Fixed monthly cost, per user |
Usage-based (storage, compute, networking) |
|
Scalability |
Straightforward, minimal configuration |
Highly customizable, greater control over architecture and resources |
|
Best for: |
Simple IT needs, frontline workers, remote staff |
Complex IT needs, hybrid environments, vendor/contractor access, legacy app compatibility in a modern environment |
|
Multi-session Support? |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Licensing Required |
Microsoft 365 subscription |
Azure + Windows licenses |
Why Choose Teal for AVD Deployment?
Rolling out Azure Virtual Desktop is a technical project and a strategic shift. You need an experienced partner who understands both the technology and the business impact.
At Teal, we’ve helped dozens of SMBs successfully deploy AVD with minimal disruption and maximum ROI.
From initial planning through ongoing performance tuning, our team ensures your environment is secure, efficient, and aligned with your business goals.
25+ Years of Microsoft Expertise with an SMB Focus
We specialize in helping small and mid-sized businesses get the most out of Microsoft solutions.
Proven Onboarding Process
Our team handles everything from planning to rollout, ensuring a smooth, disruption-free transition to AVD.
Ongoing Management & Optimization
We monitor, update, and fine-tune your AVD environment to ensure optimal performance and long-term value.
Contact Teal today to discover is we’re the right Microsoft partner for your organization.
