The recent availability of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) on Azure Stack has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for organizations seeking a hybrid approach to virtual desktops and applications. As we have seen organizations are hesitant about putting all their resources in Cloud and want to be able to use both cloud and on-prem and the introduction of AVD on Azure Stack increases the options available.

See the announcement

So, why is this an important development in EUC? Let’s delve into the core advantages of AVD on Azure Stack.

• First customers who may have kept workloads on-prem now have the choice to utilize AVD On-Prem.  
• Secondly consider reduced latency — a crucial factor in today’s fast-paced digital world. By positioning desktops closer to your workforce, AVD on Azure Stack promises a more responsive and fluid experience, particularly for those resource-hungry applications.
• Next, there’s enhanced security and compliance. For businesses grappling with stringent data residency requirements, AVD provides a robust security framework while enabling you to keep your sensitive data on-premises.
• Lastly, the unified management experience through the Azure portal is a game-changer. It marks the end of juggling multiple cloud and on-premises solutions, paving the way for streamlined, efficient operations.

But What Does It Mean for the Platform Vendors, Such as Citrix and VMware?

While AVD on Azure Stack presents a new opportunity in the virtual desktop space, it also signals a pivotal moment for established platforms like Citrix and VMware. With their extensive ecosystems and broad feature sets, these veterans are now at a crossroads. How might they respond?

Firstly it should be stated that this is an opportunity for both given they already support Azure Stack and with their advanced functionalities such as their advanced protocols HDX and Blast they can enhance any deployment of AVD on Azure Stack.

The availability of AVD on Azure Stack could potentially disrupt the VDI market and impact Citrix and VMware. However, it is too early to know the exact impact and it will depend on various factors, including pricing,  how well Microsoft executes its strategy, the response from Citrix and VMware, and how customers react to these changes

Read more: A new player enters the hybrid world :  AVD on Azure Stack HCI

What is the Role of Liquidware Solutions in Successful Hybrid AVD Deployments?

Liquidware is a  Microsoft AVD alliance partner, we offer solutions that support any Windows workspace, whether physical or in the cloud. Our Essentials suite of solutions provides Digital Employee Experience (DEX) solutions that manage, deliver, monitor and control DEX.

Managing DEX with ProfileUnity

ProfileUnity™ is a user environment management solution designed to manage user profiles across multiple desktop environments. In the context of hybrid AVD deployments, it addresses common challenges associated with user profiles and settings management:

Centralized User Profiles: ProfileUnity centralizes user profiles in a location that is independent of the underlying desktop, making it easier to manage profiles across both on-premises and cloud environments.

Profile Portability: This feature ensures that user settings and configurations are consistent, regardless of the desktop environment they log into, enhancing the user experience in a hybrid setting.

Policy Management: ProfileUnity enables comprehensive policy management, allowing IT administrators to apply context-aware policies that enhance security and compliance.

Delivering DEX with FlexApp

FlexApp™ is Liquidware’s application portability  solution that simplifies application delivery and management. It is particularly beneficial in AVD environments for several reasons:

Decoupling Applications from the OS: By layering applications separately from the OS, FlexApp simplifies application management and updates, reducing the complexity of maintaining multiple desktop images.

Enhanced Flexibility: It allows for the dynamic delivery of applications based on user needs and context, providing a more tailored and efficient user experience.

Reduced Storage Footprint: By centralizing application delivery, FlexApp can reduce the overall storage footprint, which is crucial in cloud-based environments like AVD on Azure Stack.

Monitoring and Optimizing DEX with Stratusphere UX

Stratusphere™ UX offers comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics for virtual and physical desktop environments. Its role in hybrid AVD deployments is critical:

Monitoring and Diagnostics: Stratusphere UX provides in-depth visibility into the performance of desktops and applications, helping to identify and resolve issues proactively.

User Experience Metrics: Stratusphere UX tracks key user experience metrics, ensuring that the deployed environment meets the performance expectations of users.

Process  Optimization: Identifying over-provisioned and underutilized resources, it helps in optimizing the deployment for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Controlling DEX with CommandCTRL: A New Player in EUC Management

CommandCTRL™ is a relatively newer SaaS-based solution in the EUC space, providing a centralized platform for managing and monitoring virtual desktop infrastructures and other IT assets in realtime. It also, provides real-time remediation for hybrid AVD workspaces.

Centralized Management Console: CommandCTRL offers a single pane of glass for managing various aspects of the IT environment, including virtual desktops, servers, and network devices.

Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: The solution provides real-time monitoring capabilities, with alerts for any performance issues or anomalies, ensuring quick response to potential problems.

Compatibility and Integration: Designed to be compatible with various virtualization platforms, CommandCTRL can integrate into environments using AVD, Citrix, VMware, and others, making it a versatile tool for any hybrid deployments

The landscape of end-user computing is not just evolving… it’s undergoing a revolution. The hybrid model, with AVD on Azure Stack at the forefront, is redefining choice and flexibility in the digital workspace. But to truly harness this potential, you need the right partners. Liquidware’s suite of solutions — along with the innovative SaaS-based CommandCTRL —are your keys to a streamlined, efficient, and future-proof hybrid AVD deployment

Are you ready to explore the future of hybrid desktop environments? Dive deeper into Liquidware’s solutions and discover how they can elevate your AVD on Azure Stack experience.

Test it for yourself