Is Azure Virtual Desktop Better than Amazon WorkSpaces?

A virtual desktop is a type of desktop virtualization service that eliminates the need for a user to run a system directly on the endpoint hardware. It is like an all-encompassing software package that virtually encapsulates an operating system and other apps. There are lots of virtual desktop providers such as Citrix XenApp, VMware Horizon, and Azure Virtual Desktop alternatives. 

When users connect to a virtual desktop, they can operate it normally as though they have the hardware on-premise. Indeed, the virtual desktop service allows business teams to equip themselves with a mobile workspace. Secure remote access paves the way for employees to use the right applications they need whenever they want remotely. 

This eliminates the need to buy expensive laptops or other electronic devices, as workers can virtually access the tools anytime. Additionally, a virtual desktop creates a secure environment for users

So in this article, we will compare Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces for your business. 

Resource Allocation

Amazon WorkSpaces provides one-to-one resources It is a viable option for cases when one requires reliable and dedicated computing resources. It costs around $21-140 per month.  

Meanwhile, Azure Virtual Desktop provides one-to-one, along with one-to-many resources. That means it provides a host that could have many users accessing it simultaneously. It is a good option when dedicated computing power is not an essential requirement.

What is incredible about Azure Virtual desktop is that the cost per user reaches down hugely as the environment scales up. The amount could go down as little as $4pppm (per participant per month)   for the Windows Virtual Desktop infrastructure, given that 500 users are accessing the same host. Conversely, if there is just one user on the platform, it might cost more (up to $162 per month) than Amazon WorkSpaces.

When a person has access to one-to-one resources, they are completely isolated from any other users. Thus, it is the preferable choice for those who need more resources. On the other hand, in a situation where one person has access to many, resource contention among the neighbors is possible.

Cloud Scalability

While Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces are scalable, the latter is a comparatively more scalable virtual desktop solution. It allows its customers to choose the number of seats, coupled with the customization of each seat, to suit the ultimate objectives of end-users. One can customize it individually and in a standardized fashion across the company. 

For instance, your human resource and finance departments have different needs and functions. Amazon WorkSpaces can achieve the task conveniently since it boasts a long cherished history of scalability that delivers in real-world scenarios. Regarding databases, both Amazon WorkSpaces and AzureVirtual Desktop provide relationship databases. 

Integration

Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop will also allow you to integrate with other software products and applications. Azure Virtual Desktops integrate with the following:

• LiquidWare
• AdminStudio
• AuthPoint
• Automatic Robotic Process Automation
• Azure Security Center
• Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Azure
• SysTrack

On the other hand, Amazon WorkSpaces integrate with the following:

• LiquidWare
• AWS Directory Service
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• FortiSandbox
• Rocketbot
• TeamViewer Remote Management
• TeamViewer Frontline
• TeamViewer Tensor
• Service camp

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)

When it comes to developing cloud solutions like DaaS, IaaS, and PaaS, Amazon Web Services is undoubtedly at the top of the list. It has been in the market since 2006. The other major player Microsoft Azure has gained some ground since it came on the scene, but AWS leads the market. Virtual desktop customers choose AWS because of the range of services that come with it. For instance, it offers different GPU, CPU, memory, and storage resources (SSD volumes) options. 

What AWS has in its toolkit is worth seeing for businesses that want flexibility in their Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions. On the flip side, Azure proves a better transition to the world of virtual desktops for companies that essentially rely on Microsoft products. That said, Microsoft Azure is not a complete DaaS solution, even though it serves desktop apps from the cloud. 

Support for Different Operating Systems

Another difference between Amazon WorkSpaces and AzureVirtual Desktop is the operating systems available for the virtual environment. While Amazon WorkSpaces supports Linux and Windows, Azure Virtual Desktop can only run Windows. It is a significant factor in determining which type of solution is the best in any given situation. 

The Maturity of Service

Azure Virtual Desktop hit the market in September 2018, while Amazon WorkSpaces was rolled out in March 2014. It demonstrates a straight four-year experienced edge over Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Although Amazon WorkSpaces has been around us more than Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, both solution providers sustain excellent cloud infrastructure and proactively develop new functionalities for a smooth experience.  

However, suppose the primary priority for your organization is the proven stability of the service. Then it is beyond doubt that Amazon WorkSpaces is better for Desktop as a Service (DaaS). Sensitive information may be accessed securely from any location since it is not kept on the local device. All of it passes through enterprise-level encryption regardless of whether it is passing via a wired or wireless network access point.

Final Words: 

Since every business has its distinctive IT infrastructure and requirements, it is more complex to suggest one offering straightforwardly. It’s true that Azure Virtual Desktop is cost-effective while supporting multi-session connections since many people share the same virtual machine. On the other hand, AWS WorkSpaces is more scalable. 

However, Amazon WorkSpaces has the least operational burden and is thus suitable for those who want a manageable operational burden.

The bottom line is that a careful examination of the different factors of both offerings will ultimately help the business decide which solution is suitable to meet unique business needs.

 

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Author Bio

Abhay is a Digital Marketing Guru and an accomplished entrepreneur with an experience of a decade working with various businesses varying from startups to established brands. He co-founded many companies like Logicsofts, PrintYo, CrazyRise and more. He is passionate about SEO and Online Data Analytics, which plays a vital role in any business to grow and mutate as per the data results.
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