Organizations today have several technologies available to reduce their operating costs while maximizing the efficiency of workflows. Cloud computing is one of these solutions, and it has been a boon for businesses. Making computing resources accessible via the Internet, a cloud operating system (cloud OS) is a great investment for companies wanting to improve their competitive edge in the market.
However, there has been increased interest amongst consumers regarding Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop. While they both belong to Microsoft and deal with the cloud, there are some key differences between these two solutions organizations should be privy to.
What are the two solutions involved in Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop?
The Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop debate focuses on two Microsoft-developed solutions that enhance the usability and accessibility of your company’s network, while maintaining its integrity. But specifically, the nature of the platforms goes deeper than that.
What is Windows 365?
Windows 365 (also known as Windows 365 Cloud PC) is a cloud-based program that offers organizations the ability to automatically supply their staff with Cloud PCs—virtual machines that serve as a windows-based desktop. The solution comes in the form of desktop-as-a-service (DaaS), which means that organizations can access the service from anywhere, regardless of their location.
Customers can obtain Windows 365 via two forms:
- Windows 365 Business: a per-user, per-month subscription service suitable for small organizations.
- Windows 365 Enterprise: a per-user, per-month subscription service intended for large-scale businesses.
Both versions of Windows 365 divide their subscriptions into three tiers—basic, standard, and premium—to ensure that organizations can select the services that best fit their needs. At the same time, each level follows a fixed price, allowing businesses to easily work the cloud operating system solutions into their budgets for more-effective resource planning.
What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that gives users the ability to create, install, and monitor virtual desktops within the organization. With AVD, businesses can set up additional virtualization environments without the need for gateway servers—hardware that molds data streams into forms that are usable by authorized devices.
Usable on a cloud operating system, AVD can virtualize applications and desktops, while running on Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices. It allows enterprises to move data to the cloud, run programs to test their suitability for a cloud operating system, and enable users to work from spaces that are convenient for them.
Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop: What are the differences?
It is expected that 100 zettabytes (ZB) worth of data will be stored in the cloud by 2025. Whether your business is based remotely, as a hybrid, or is even working entirely onsite, it can be almost impossible to ignore the power that a cloud operating system (and any adjoining service) can offer your organization.
On the surface, AVD and Windows 365 seem incredibly similar as both work according to a cloud operating system while streamlining data flows and information within a business’s internal network. But, there are some differences that draw distinct lines between both services, making them more applicable to some companies over others.
When determining Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop, the program’s differences are:
- Management: Windows 365 is managed by Microsoft, while AVD is overseen within the Shared Responsibility Model.
- Automatic scalability: AVD automatically scales according to user needs. Windows 365, while still scalable, does not do this automatically.
- Supports virtual desktop pools: AVD supports desktop pools while Windows 365 does not.
- Payment model: Both editions of Windows 365 require users to pay per-user, per-month. Azure Virtual Desktop uses a more complex pricing method, as users are charged based on the solution's usage.
- Accessibility: AVD can be accessed through PowerShell and the Azure Portal. Windows 365 Enterprise and Business can be accessed through Microsoft Endpoint Manager. At the same time, AVD is more customizable than Windows 365, as you are able to implement specialized software and configurations on your AVD systems.
Another way of approaching the Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop debate is by considering the solutions’ intended uses. Windows 365 is meant for small to large-sized companies with little-to-no experience leveraging virtualization environments. It is also useful for organizations that already have Microsoft Endpoint Manager protecting their devices—it can readily integrate with the cybersecurity solution and give users a highly secure cloud operating system.
On the other hand, AVD’s solutions cater to single-user experiences. For example, for businesses that encounter rising and falling numbers related to their virtual desktop users, AVD is often the better option, as you pay for its services while it is being used, ensuring that you only spend money when it is relevant.
Why Microsoft consulting services can help settle the Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop debate
Microsoft consulting services are designed to improve business efficiency by utilizing Microsoft solutions. They are conducted by certified professionals and cover all aspects of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.
Microsoft consultants can work with your company to determine its processes, ethos, services, products, and productivity tools. From Azure Active Directory Domain Services (Azure AD DS) to AVD, Windows 365, and even Microsoft 365, comprehensive Microsoft consulting services can help determine if Windows 365 or Azure AD is suitable for your company.
Delve deeper into “Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop” with Microsoft experts
The Microsoft consulting services at Skynet MTS are provided by Microsoft professionals that are also experts in enhancing business operations and revenue with technology.
No matter if you want to leverage a secure Microsoft-managed network that will pave the way for your business’s success, or you are eager to know how Windows 365 vs Azure Virtual Desktop applies to your organization’s future, reach out to the Skynet MTS team today.