Exploring the Architecture of a Cloud Desktop Solution

Migrating to a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), is the future. Removing the in-house or data centre-managed environment unlocks unlimited potential targeting the end user, removing geographical barriers using providers like Microsoft Cloud and the associated Microsoft Azure. Below, we’ll give you an in-depth guide to desktop modernisation, looking at the architectural ingredients of a cloud desktop solution.  

Hosted Vs. Cloud Desktops

Hosted desktops are cloud-based systems that let users access systems regardless of their location by building the VDI.

Traditionally, VDI’s have been around for years, and in many senses, the concept is still the same. Until the cloud, VDIs would run on managed internal servers or from data centres. Centralised servers were becoming too expensive, and required massive IT infrastructure investment and management. Still, some businesses do use them and there are benefits. Staff have access to a centralised server, IT management is streamlined (albeit, expensive), and there’s an element of greater control with centralised, on-site servers.

Cloud desktops are the solution to everything negative about hosted on-site desktops. A cloud desktop is hosted in the cloud environment, with Microsoft Azure and the Azure Virtual Desktop being perfect for VDI’s.

Cloud desktop services, known as Desktop as a Service (DaaS) use hardware only as a way of accessing the cloud-based server instead of hosting the desktop itself. Managed cloud services handle the infrastructure build, management, and costs for DaaS with the backend of the VDI hosted by a third-party cloud provider – minimal investment for maximum infrastructure control and end-user benefit.

Benefits of Cloud Desktops

• Access anywhere
• Reduced overhead costs
• Outsourced management
• Increased scalability
• Easy to use

Issues with Traditional Hosted Desktops

Traditional hosted VDIs are riddled with issues. Here are some of the most common:

• High Infrastructure Costs: Traditional hosted VDIs have massive on-premise infrastructure costs – servers, storage, networking, issue resolution, hardware, and maintenance. Our list could go on.
• Limited Scalability: Scaling a hosted VDI environment means buying and configuring new hardware – both are time-consuming and expensive. And it’s not exactly easy to add new hardware to hosted VDIs – they’re not as fluid as a cloud desktop.
• Complex IT Management: Hosted VDIs require continuous on-premise management and expertise. Manual software updates, security patches, and monitoring system health are standard expenses.
• Geographic Limitations: Hosted VDIs are limited to the geographic location – user desktops need a direct line of access to the on-site data centre.
• Inconsistent User Experience: Hosted VDIs don’t have the same level of user control. User profile settings are often not correctly centrally managed, leading to inconsistent experiences and configurations.
• Security Risks: Hosted VDIs are big security risks if on-premise management isn’t sufficient. Hardware failures, data breaches, and inadequate patch management are the norm.

Cloud Desktop Architecture

Desktop modernisation using the cloud begins with the foundations built on the desktop architecture. It starts with a centralised image – or base template – that forms the centralised design for the rest of the desktops. Remember, most companies use cloud desktops across hundreds or thousands of devices – they all need to be the same, but only one of the computers is built from the centralised image. Cloud desktop architecture then builds layers on that image of the required configurations, apps, usage controls and restrictions, etc.

Building the centralised image and feeding it throughout an organisation using a cloud desktop expert eliminates setup variation, speeds up troubleshooting, and streamlines the build.

FSLogix is an example of an essential component typically integrated into the build of a cloud desktop architecture. FSLogix enables the creation of user profiles, setup options, and user customisation on virtual desktops. User-specific profiles are developed into a virtual hard disk (VHD) and connected to the user during log-in, helping to eliminate varying configurations in the user experience from one desktop to another.

Then there’s Azure Files, designed to eliminate the traditional file servers plagued with security and downtime issues. With Azure Files, file storage – which can be accessed through the cloud and is not limited to the physical location – removes the need for a dedicated file server.

Those are only two essential components of a solid cloud desktop architecture build.  

Desktop Cloud Migration

Migrating traditional desktops to cloud-based solutions successfully depends on pre-defined goals and setups – using cloud migration experts who understand the requirements of a solid cloud infrastructure architecture is essential.

Managed cloud experts will assess the current desktop environment and identify the systems suitable for cloud migration. Not all applications or desktop setups are suitable for the cloud.

Data transfer, configuration management, and user profile migration then follow, ensuring successful migration across all devices – that’s where you realise how essential FSLogix is for the seamless migration of user profiles and settings.  

What Does Modern Architecture in the Cloud Look Like for a Semi-Technical Audience?

On the bottom level, there is the centralised base image we’ve just discussed that guarantees that all the desktop functions personalised to the organisation are based on a single and secure template. It’s the blueprint.

FSLogix is used to manage user profiles, and therefore, the users’ experiences will be homogeneous irrespective of the virtual desktop accessed.

Azure files are for data storage – there’s no on-site file server that takes management and money and often leads to downtime.

Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure Active Directory) is responsible for authentication and identity management – primarily two-factor authorisation – to keep the virtual desktop secure.

You also have Intune enforcing proper configurations and policies on devices so that there are security standards across all the devices used in the cloud’s infrastructure. With Intune, you can manage all of your devices from the cloud.

Now you can see the architecture layers building, all combining to essentially provide a remote, fully functioning, accessible desktop that streamlines almost every business process.

Things to Be Aware of When Migrating from a Traditional Desktop to a Cloud-Hosted Desktop?

If you used managed cloud experts, migrating from traditional desktops to a cloud desktop should be seamless. Still, there are several considerations:

• Data Security
• User Experience
• Regulatory compliance
• Network performance

Desktop modernisation via the cloud is a given. It’s easier to manage, manipulate, update, and scale. There’s no need for expensive, demanding on-premise hosted desktops that limit end-user satisfaction.