What is the AVD Hybrid?

AVD Hybrid is a hybrid implementation of Azure Virtual Desktop that combines AVD’s cloud-based management with an organization’s existing infrastructure. AVD servers, which run virtual Windows desktops and applications, can be located in the organization’s own data center, in a private cloud, or in a service provider’s environment.

AVD Hybrid enables you to leverage your existing server capacity, applications, and data while managing virtual desktops and applications through a unified AVD management model. The solution supports phased modernization without requiring the entire existing environment to be migrated to Azure or overhauled all at once.

How does the AVD Hybrid work?

The service and management layer of Azure Virtual Desktop runs on Azure, but the AVD servers that run the virtual desktops and applications can be located in an environment chosen by the organization. This allows for centralized management of the AVD environment while keeping workloads, applications, and data in locations that are appropriate for them.

AVD servers running on the organization’s own infrastructure are integrated into Azure Virtual Desktop in a controlled manner. Users connect to a Windows desktop or application in the same way, regardless of the environment in which the service is delivered.

The implementation will be planned based on the current infrastructure, applications, data location, network connections, performance, and security requirements. The environment can be developed in phases without having to migrate all workloads to Azure at once.

For more information about how the solution works, the Azure Arc integration, and supported environments, see Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid documentation.

Who is the AVD Hybrid suitable for?

AVD Hybrid is ideal for organizations that want to modernize their virtual desktop environment while continuing to leverage their existing infrastructure, applications, and data. The solution enables a phased approach and brings different environments under unified AVD management.

• for organizations that currently use Citrix, Omnissa, RDS, or another virtual desktop environment
• situations where local applications or data need to be kept close to users
• for organizations that want to make use of their existing server and data center capacity
• environments where workloads run on their own infrastructure, in a private cloud, or in a service provider’s environment
• situations in which performance, latency, or data location affect the implementation of the environment
• for organizations that want to modernize their virtual desktop environment in phases.

What does Cloud PCS’s AVD Hybrid service include?

Cloud PCS provides the AVD Hybrid environment as a managed service, from an assessment of the current state to ongoing management and development. The implementation is designed based on the organization’s current infrastructure, applications, data location, user groups, and security requirements.

• Assessment of the Current Situation and Needs: Mapping the current virtual desktop environment, infrastructure, user groups, applications, and data locations
• Designing the Target Environment: Defining the AVD management model, AVD server placement, capacity, network connections, and access rights
• Pilot: Ensuring the functionality of a selected user group, applications, and workloads in a controlled environment
• Implementation and Deployment: Building the AVD Hybrid environment, integrating the necessary AVD servers into centralized management, and deploying desktops and applications
• Management and Maintenance: Continuous management of the environment’s functionality, capacity, information security, and the need for changes
• Continuous development: expanding and adapting the environment as user numbers, applications, and organizational needs change

What does the AVD Hybrid actually change in practice?

AVD Hybrid enables organizations to leverage their existing infrastructure as part of the Azure Virtual Desktop solution. The servers that run virtual desktops and applications can be located in the organization’s own data center or in another managed environment, while centralized management is handled using Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Arc.

This solution is suitable for organizations that cannot or do not wish to migrate all their workloads to Azure—for example, due to existing investments, application dependencies, data location, or operational environment requirements. Cloud PCS designs the overall solution, handles the implementation, and manages the ongoing administration and development of the environment.

The hybrid model also allows for a phased approach. The organization does not need to migrate all virtual desktops, applications, or workloads to the new environment at once; instead, the solution can be developed in a controlled manner based on existing investments and business needs. Cloud PCS helps plan the transition, identify the first use cases, and expand the solution based on experience. This ensures that the change remains under control at every stage.

Would AVD Hybrid be a good fit for your organization?

The design of the AVD Hybrid service begins with an assessment of the current virtual desktop environment, infrastructure, applications, data locations, and user groups. Together, we’ll determine how different environments can be integrated into a managed AVD solution and what kind of implementation model best meets your organization’s needs.

On the AVD Services page, you can learn about the AVD service deployed in the Azure environment and the hybrid model that leverages your organization’s own infrastructure.

For more information on the solution’s deployment, management, security, and suitability, visit the AVD Hybrid FAQ page.