Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services both offer a vast array of cloud-based services, including desktop virtualization. This is a great thing for businesses as they get options to choose from. However, it also creates a need for a deeper understanding of the value that different desktop virtualization services offer with respect to their costs. This article will focus on two such services – Azure Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) and Amazon WorkSpaces. Before we dive deep into the Azure WVD vs Amazon WorkSpaces comparison, let’s first have a quick overview of virtual desktops.
What are Virtual Desktops, and What are Their Benefits?
Virtual desktops are configured images of applications and operating systems where the desktop environment is independent of the physical devices used to access it. Virtual desktops can be accessed remotely over a network. Any end-user device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, can be used to access a virtual desktop. Virtual desktops address several use cases of today’s organizations. The range of use cases may include simplified desktop delivery, affordable pricing, scalability, and security, to name a few.
What is Azure WVD?
Azure Windows Virtual Desktop, or simply Azure WVD, is a cloud-based app and desktop virtualization service offered by Microsoft Azure. This service enables secure and scalable remote work. Setting up Windows Virtual Desktop takes just a few minutes to get the service running. You can manage Windows Virtual Desktop deployment start to end using the Azure portal. WVD can be scaled quickly to offer thousands of desktops to your workforce deployed at scattered locations around the world. Azure WVD is fully optimized for a multi-session Windows 10 with Office 365 Pro-Plus Experience.
What is Amazon WorkSpaces?
Amazon WorkSpaces is a managed and secure cloud remote desktop solution offered by Amazon Web Services. You can use WorkSpaces to provision Windows as well as Linux desktops within a matter of just a few minutes. You can subscribe to services that charge you on a monthly or hourly basis to enjoy the range of benefits offered by Amazon WorkSpaces. Amazon WorkSpaces helps you reduce the complexity in managing hardware inventory, OS versions, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). As a result, you get a simplified desktop delivery strategy.
How Azure WVD and Amazon WorkSpaces Differ?
Amazon WorkSpaces provides one-to-one resources. This means you get dedicated resources to use. On the other hand, Azure WVD offers you two options to choose from. These options are one-to-one as well as one-to-many resources. With the additional one-to-many resources option, users can share the cost of the service with other users who are using the same host. As the environment scales up, the cost per user goes down.
Both Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS offer robust security. There is a wide range of security layers and comprehensive backup solutions. However, Microsoft does offer free security updates for selected products. This can benefit those companies who lean heavily on Microsoft applications already.
Azure WVD vs Amazon WorkSpaces – Which One is a Better Service?
If you own a business that isn’t in the cloud yet, Microsoft WVD can be a better choice for you due to its price point. Also, if your organization heavily relies on Microsoft Windows or Microsoft 365 licenses, Windows Virtual Desktop can be the solution for your organization as there is no need to purchase additional licenses to deploy Azure WVD. While both services provide secure and scalable desktops, the business-specific IT infrastructure and requirements can be the deciding factor.
Between the two services in the comparison, only Azure WVD offers a multi-session Windows 10 experience. With WVD, you get the option to assign dedicated resources to each user or to make resources available to groups of users. Amazon WorkSpaces doesn’t support the pooling of resources.
How Apps4Rent Can Help You Deploy Virtual Desktops?
With an affordable price point, multiple options to suit end-users’ requirements, and the ability to use existing licenses for cost-efficiency, Azure WVD leads the race. However, the selection and deployment of desktop virtualization services start with identifying where your applications are hosted at present. A thorough assessment of your applications and IT infrastructure can help you make an informed decision. Apps4Rent can help you assess your current infrastructure, virtual desktop readiness, and the ideal fit for your organization. We are a Tier 1 Microsoft CSP with a robust team of experienced Azure cloud architects to help you with Virtual Desktop deployment. We are available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for desktop virtualization consultation. Contact us today.
