Frequently asked questions about the AVD Hybrid service

What is AVD Hybrid?

AVD Hybrid combines the management and user layers of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop with servers running desktops and applications located in the organization’s own environment or in a service provider’s environment. To the user, the service appears as a unified work environment, regardless of where the capacity running the desktops and applications is located. This allows organizations to modernize their work environments without having to migrate all infrastructure or applications to the cloud at the same time.

How does AVD Hybrid differ from the traditional cloud deployment of Azure Virtual Desktop?

In a traditional Azure Virtual Desktop deployment, the servers that run desktops and applications are located in the Microsoft Azure cloud. AVD Hybrid allows these servers to be located in the organization’s own data center or in a service provider’s environment. This allows the management and user experience of Azure Virtual Desktop to be integrated with existing infrastructure and application environments.

Why did Microsoft introduce a hybrid model for Azure Virtual Desktop?

Many organizations still have business-critical applications, integrations, and infrastructure that cannot be moved to the cloud immediately or for which doing so is not feasible. AVD Hybrid enables the phased modernization of work environments while leveraging existing investments. This allows organizations to proceed at their own pace without having to undertake a large-scale overhaul of their environment.

Where are the servers that run AVD Hybrid’s desktops and applications located?

In AVD Hybrid, the servers that run desktops and applications can be located in the organization’s own data center or in a service provider’s environment. Azure Virtual Desktop serves as a user and management layer within the Microsoft Azure environment, providing users with a consistent experience regardless of where the servers running the desktops and applications are located. The organization’s data remains in its own Microsoft Azure environment and on systems managed by the organization.

Can AVD Hybrid leverage the organization’s existing server capacity and infrastructure?

Yes. AVD Hybrid allows you to leverage your existing server capacity and infrastructure as part of a modern work environment solution. This can help an organization derive more value from its existing investments while modernizing the user environment with Azure Virtual Desktop. The solution enables a phased transition without the need to replace all existing capacity at once.

How does AVD Hybrid support applications and system integrations that run in on-premises environments?

Many organizations have applications and integrations that rely on on-premises servers or network solutions. AVD Hybrid enables the use of these environments without requiring all applications or integrations to be migrated to the cloud. This allows organizations to provide users with a modern work environment while maintaining the operational requirements of existing applications.

When is it advisable to keep applications or the servers that run them in a local environment?

On-premises deployment may be justified, for example, when applications have specific performance, network latency, integration, or security requirements. Existing infrastructure investments or business-critical dependencies may also influence the decision not to immediately migrate applications or the servers running them to the cloud. AVD Hybrid enables a phased approach tailored to the organization’s specific needs.

Can AVD Hybrid replace a Citrix, Omnissa, or RDS environment?

In many cases, yes. AVD Hybrid offers a native Microsoft alternative for virtualizing work environments and applications. Cloud PCS helps you compare the costs, licensing, usage, and management model of your current Citrix, Omnissa, or RDS environment with the AVD Hybrid solution. The goal is to identify opportunities to simplify the environment and evaluate potential cost and management benefits compared to the current situation.

Does an organization need to overhaul its entire current environment when transitioning to AVD Hybrid?

Not necessarily. AVD Hybrid is designed for situations where modernization is to be implemented in phases. An organization can continue to use its existing servers, applications, and integrations while updating user environments and management models. This enables a controlled transition without the need for a large-scale, one-time overhaul.

How are the potential cost savings of the AVD Hybrid estimated?

The cost savings assessment is based on the costs associated with licensing, infrastructure, management, and maintenance in the current environment. Cloud PCS helps you compare your current situation to the AVD Hybrid solution using your organization’s own data. This ensures that decision-making is based on actual usage needs and cost structures rather than general assumptions.

How are management and security implemented in AVD Hybrid?

AVD Hybrid leverages Microsoft’s identity and access management solutions, such as Microsoft Entra ID, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access. An organization’s own security policies, access models, and monitoring practices can be integrated into the environment, regardless of whether the servers running desktops and applications are located on-premises or in the service provider’s environment.

What types of organizations is AVD Hybrid suitable for?

AVD Hybrid is particularly well-suited for organizations that want to modernize their work environments while leveraging their existing applications, infrastructure, and integrations. The solution is of particular interest to large enterprises, public sector entities, and organizations whose work environments involve business-critical applications or have specific security, performance, or integration requirements.