In today’s business landscape, IT teams face a dual mandate: simplify complex operations while strengthening security. For organisations still tied to legacy virtual desktop infrastructure, meeting these demands can feel like trying to modernise a house without changing the foundation; it’s inefficient, resource-intensive, and risky.
A leading global data centre provider found itself in exactly this position. After years of building on Citrix-based VDI, their environment had grown rigid, operationally burdensome, and vulnerable, and the company needed to rethink its approach to desktop management.
For this provider, the Citrix-based VDI solution had reached a tipping point.
Here’s what they were up against:
The organisation recognised it had outgrown its setup, but any change had to simplify IT operations and enhance security, without adding new risks.
Following a strategic review, the organisation transitioned to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) as its new foundation for secure, scalable desktop operations. AVD enabled a complete operational rethink.
How Azure Virtual Desktop Simplifies Operations?
AVD centralises desktop and user management through integrated Microsoft tools, eliminating manual effort and fragmented workflows.
Here's how it redefines the operational landscape:
1. Unified Management with Intune + Entra ID
By leveraging Intune and Entra ID, organisations can centralise identity, device, and application management. This integration simplifies provisioning, enforces consistent security policies across devices, and enables secure remote access, without relying on VPNs or fragmented third-party tools.
2. Automated Updates and Seamless Scaling
Routine updates, patching, and desktop refreshes can be automated, while auto-scaling capabilities meant the environment could dynamically expand or contract based on usage without hardware limitations.
How AVD Strengthened Security and Control?
Security is a central driver of the transition, and AVD delivers measurable improvements across the board.
1. Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
AVD’s native integration with Microsoft’s security stack enabled:
2. Retirement of Legacy Domain Controllers
By moving to a cloud-native identity model, organisations can decommission ageing on-premises domain controllers, reduce attack surface area and cut ties with outdated infrastructure.
3. Secure Remote Access by Design
Built for hybrid work, AVD provides secure desktop access from any location or device, without traditional VPN dependencies. Data and applications remain protected within the Azure environment, reducing risks.
The shift to AVD created a more resilient, agile, and secure IT foundation for the data centre provider.
Here’s what changed:
At Wavex, we help organisations modernise IT infrastructure securely, seamlessly, and strategically. Rather than simply “lifting and shifting” systems to the cloud, we guide a full desktop environment transformation that aligns with performance, security, and operational goals. If you’re aiming to improve scalability, reduce costs, or support a hybrid workforce, reach out to us to simplify the journey toward a secure, future-ready desktop infrastructure.
1. What makes Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) more secure than traditional VDI solutions?
Azure Virtual Desktop is built on Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, which provides built-in security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), conditional access policies, and encryption. Additionally, Azure’s security compliance framework helps ensure that your data is always protected.
2. How does AVD simplify IT operations?
AVD centralises desktop management and automates tasks like updates, scaling, and provisioning, reducing the need for manual intervention. With integrated tools like Microsoft Intune and Entra ID, IT teams can easily enforce policies and manage devices from a single interface.
3. Can AVD support a hybrid workforce?
Yes, Azure Virtual Desktop is designed to provide secure remote access to users across the globe. Whether your team is working from home, the office, or any other location, AVD ensures a seamless and consistent experience, supported by Azure’s global infrastructure.
4. How does AVD improve security and compliance?
AVD integrates with Microsoft Entra ID for identity management, while conditional access ensures that only authorised users can access critical systems. Azure's compliance certifications guarantee that your data is protected in accordance with global standards.
5. What’s the cost impact of adopting Azure Virtual Desktop?
By moving to Azure Virtual Desktop, organisations can reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by eliminating the need for expensive on-premise infrastructure, cutting licensing costs, and benefiting from a pay-as-you-go consumption model. Many businesses report savings of up to 70% compared to traditional VDI systems.
6. Why should we choose Wavex for our AVD migration?
At Wavex, we specialise in seamless migrations from Citrix to AVD, ensuring a smooth, efficient transition with minimal disruption. Our expert team handles every step, from assessment and migration planning to deployment and ongoing optimisation, tailoring the process to fit your unique business needs. With Wavex’s guidance, you’ll benefit from a scalable, secure, and cost-efficient virtual desktop environment that aligns with your goals for growth. Contact us today to get started.
