Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop) is Microsoft’s product for virtualizing its operating systems, running virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI), and remote desktops with full services and applications – all without losing the familiarity of working with Windows OS. It also comes with a new scalable, multi-session experience.
Administrators can manage their end-to-end Azure Virtual Desktop deployment, along with other services within the Azure portal, while also saving money as it uses existing eligible Windows licenses.
Virtual Desktop is just like having Azure Remote Desktop services – but, in the cloud. The users get a new computer thanks to this Desktop as a Service (DaaS). It has features that endear it to millions of users out there, like:
- The ability to set up a multi-session Windows 10 deployment
- Support for managing multi-session virtual machines (VMs) with Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Microsoft’s unified service for device management – marking the first time Endpoint Manager can handle multi-session VMs which makes it one of the biggest selling points for Azure Virtual Desktop
- The capability to virtualize Microsoft 365 applications for enterprise users
- Administrators can bring the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or Windows Server desktops and apps to users located anywhere
- They can also use their image for production workloads or download one from the Azure Gallery
- Alternatively, they can use the Azure portal, Azure Virtual Desktop PowerShell, and REST interfaces to configure host pools, create app groups, assign users, and publish resources
But, as good as it is, there are other alternatives to Azure Virtual Desktop. And so, without further ado, here are the top 10 Virtual Desktop Alternatives:
Looking for a Virtual Desktop Alternative ? Why not deploy RDS on Azure – Complete remote desktop services solution allowing your users to work anywhere in the world. Very easy to setup and scale up or down.
1. Amazon WorkSpaces
Perhaps, the best thing about Amazon WorkSpaces is that it is a product from one of the leading tech companies that knows what it means to work in the virtual world and brings this experience to all its DaaS users.
Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed scalable and persistent desktop virtualization service that allows for secure access of data, documents, applications, and other resources from any supported device – like Chromebooks or PCs and tablets running Windows or macOS – and from any location.
This is an easy way to provide a secure, managed, cloud-based virtual desktop experience that comes with many more features made available to end-users.
Try Amazon WorkSpaces for FREE.
2. VMware Horizon Cloud
VMware Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure helps deliver virtual desktops and applications from a Microsoft Azure subscription.
It brings a way to efficiently deploy, manage, monitor, and scale desktops and applications across any deployment architecture – be it private, hybrid or multi-cloud – thanks to a cloud-based console and SaaS management services.
It is used for secure remote access to corporate resources – from any device – because of the core security that is already built into the VMware infrastructure. It is deployed with the zero-trust model via its integration with Carbon Black Cloud – a cloud-native endpoint and workload protection platform.
Try VMware Horizon Cloud for FREE.
3. V2 Cloud
V2 Cloud is a fully integrated DaaS solution that lets businesses securely host and access applications in the cloud.
Administrators can deploy web-based virtual desktops within minutes. It has a dashboard that serves as a single-pane insight into cloud resources, user controls, billing, security setting, backups, and more. It can be used to present multi-user Windows Server desktops – of up to 250 users – on each virtual machine.
This service is offered with antivirus protection and a backup plan to ensure the continuity of all instances.
It is easy to use – no technical expertise is required. It is flexible – no long-term contracts are required.
Try V2 Cloud for FREE.
4. Virtual Desktop by Evolve IP
Evolve IP Virtual Desktop is a unified desktop management solution for physical and virtual desktops alike – enabling IT departments to deliver the most appropriate desktop solution for each end-user. They can access all of their data, files, and applications – from anywhere, and using any device. Meanwhile, administrators retain control through the cloud and can improve their remote end-user support.
It offers a consistent experience regardless of the device used – be it desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile. And it is secure; this DaaS solution has been audited for compliance with regulations like HIPAA, HITRUST, PCI, SOC2, and more. This is a leading virtual desktop services provider that can be used with VMware and Citrix.
Request an Evolve IP Desktop Services demo for FREE.
5. Nutanix Frame
This DaaS lets users run any software using their browser – no Java or Flash required, and works with HTML5-capable browsers like Chrome or Firefox. Nutanix Frame allows for the delivery of virtual applications and desktops to anyone located anywhere.
It is deployable, regardless of the architecture – in the cloud with AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform. Alternatively, it can be deployed on-premises with Nutanix AHV.
Try Nutanix Frame for FREE.
6. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is another DaaS for sharing virtual applications and desktops – from anywhere, using any device. In fact, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is a set of virtualization solutions for controlling applications, virtual machines, licensing, and security via remote access that is also available from any location.
It comes with multiple deployment options – as a cloud service, on-premises or a hybrid model – and with a choice of cloud providers – Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS or Google GCP. Users run applications and desktops independently from their devices’ operating and interface software while administrators can remotely manage networks, access, and devices.
Try Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops; request a demo for FREE.
7. Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud
With Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud we have a solution that is one of the best SaaS platforms for Virtual Desktops.
It offers a cloud-native architecture for DaaS that the company says is “completely transforming en- user computing.” Meanwhile, it is truly an enterprise-class SaaS platform capable of delivering high-performance Windows 10 desktops from Azure and also has the ability to provision and deliver flawless desktop, workstation or application services to end-users. Administrators can deploy cloud desktops fast and scale globally in a matter of minutes and with no issues.
Try Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud; schedule a demo for FREE.
8. Kasm Workspaces
Kasm Workspaces is used to stream containerized apps and desktops to end-users. The Workspaces platform provides enterprise-class orchestration, data loss prevention, and web streaming through a browser.
Administrators can provide browser-based access to secure, customized, and self-contained work environments. It supports these remote working environments by allowing for the streaming of desktops and applications directly to the users’ browsers. This makes it safer for the user and their endpoint devices – as any damage or hacking attempt remains in the contained workspaces.
Try Kasm Workspaces with a FREE demo.
9. Kamatera
Kamatera is a full-fledged cloud infrastructure service; it comes with advanced cloud solutions that can be used by any business size or type.
The company manages clients’ cloud servers, including firewalls, load balancers, and other technical components; on the software side, Kamatera offers flexible, fast, and reliable solutions with maintenance tools and overall health information accessible via a central dashboard. They promise high performance levels, zero maintenance, no single-point-of-failure, and a high – 99.95 percent – guaranteed uptime.
Try Kamatera – sign up for a FREE 30-day trial.
10. TruGrid
TruGrid is used to create secure remote connections between users and their computers or any virtual desktops hosted in the cloud.
It comes with security features like in-built two-factor authentication, authentication via Active Directory or Azure AD, BitLocker encryption, and Zero Trust networking access. Users can work with aggregated desktops and applications from multiple vendors.
Try TruGrid – request a demo for FREE.
Those were the top 10 virtual desktop alternatives
And there you have it; we just went through the top 10 virtual desktop alternatives. We hope the list was informative but we would like to part with one more gem of an advice: always use professional administrators who can ensure the security of the users, endpoints, and networks. It is all about the configuration and permissions granted – one mistake can lead to serious data loss.
We would like to hear your thoughts – leave us a comment below.
