Azure Virtual Desktop: Your Key to High-Performance Computing
There’s no denying that high-performance computing (HPC) takes a lot of resources. Autodesk and large file transfer software are synonymous with big computers and even bigger price tags. Architectural firms, for instance, can expect to spend thousands of dollars on high-end systems capable of running these types of advanced software – and then there’s the ongoing price of upkeep!
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), these prices – and challenges such as upgrades, maintenance, and physical availability – can easily turn into massive roadblocks that slow down business and undermine profitability.
And the rise of remote work has only made things more difficult for companies that rely on HPC. Latency issues, inadequate security, hardware failures, and location-based logistical complications are just a few extra thorns jammed into the sides of organizations striving to accommodate both remote work and the demands of HPC.
If these challenges sound all too familiar, you’ve stumbled on the right blog post, because we have the answer to your HPC woes:
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
Why Azure Virtual Desktop?
In our previous blog post, we covered why you ought to consider using Microsoft’s AVD. If your organization relies significantly on the completion of compute-intensive tasks (i.e., tasks that require HPC), these general reasons still apply.
In short, AVD provides simplified flexibility through its impressive catalogue of virtual systems and accompanying cost-saving options. But there’s more to it than that.
Below, we’re spelling out exactly how AVD lifts the load off SMBs weighed down by the demands of remote HPC.
Let’s dive right in!
Reduced Latency
If you’ve spent any time remotely connected to another system, you’ve experienced the frustration of poor latency. Latency – the delay between an action and a response – is a constant challenge for remote workers with poor internet connections. This is doubly so for those utilizing compute-intensive software. If your internet can’t keep up, you’re going to have a bad time.
That’s where AVD comes in. Thanks to Microsoft’s immense bandwidth – the maximum amount of data transferable across a network – AVD users benefit from lightning-fast connectivity. As long as you have stable home internet, you can expect buttery-smooth latency, regardless of location.
Limitless Scalability
Nothing stays the same forever, and AVD knows that. With AVD’s flexibility, you don’t have to worry about unused or underused machines accruing needless costs. If an employee quits, for example, simply remove their system. Easy-peasy. Let’s say you need a computer with different specifications. Just hop on over to a new virtual desktop. Heck, you could even stream two virtual systems at once, all from your home computer! To sweeten the pot, Azure keeps their virtual systems (also known as images) up-to-date so there’s no need to worry about obsolete software.
Bottom line, AVD brings serious flexibility to your workplace compared to a physical device.
Security & Compliance: A One-Stop Shop
Cybersecurity and regulatory compliance – we’ve written extensively about this two-headed monster (check out those links to explore the topics in more depth), but we’d be remiss not to stress these topics’ importance here.
Did you know that opening your network to remote workers increases the chance of a cyberattack? That’s because a remote worker’s unmanaged personal system can be easily infected by malware which can, in turn, spread like wildfire through your private network. So, how does AVD help with security?
Moving to AVD means benefiting from Azure’s secure environment stored on Microsoft’s internal servers. With its 3,500 cybersecurity experts, you can be confident that an infected machine won’t slip through your virtual security.
Moreover, this improved security – and added visibility tools – assists with proving regulatory compliance. Regulations are multiplying and getting more complex, and modern organizations are expected to not only remain compliant, but also, have the means to demonstrate compliance at the drop of a hat.
With its easy-to-use centralized system, AVD gives you the ability to pull back the hood of your business, greatly enhancing your ability to prove compliance. Our clients rave about how much easier AVD makes things on the regulatory front.
Flexible Costs
If you’re reading this, you’re probably all too familiar – painfully familiar – with how expensive high-end computers can get. A typical architecture firm can spend an average of $15,000 to $20,00 per year on software and technology costs. With prices like those, it’s easy to see how SMBs can struggle to keep up with larger firms and increasing hardware demands.
AVD lowers the price of entry for those struggling SMBs by providing access to high-end systems through its flexible pricing options:
Subscription
This option is as straightforward as it sounds. Gain access to any of Azure’s virtual systems through monthly or yearly subscriptions, the cost of which varies based on the system of your choice. From a cashflow perspective, this means spreading out what would otherwise be a prohibitive cost to more manageable payment across months or years.
Pay-As-You-Go
This option charges based on usage without any commitment. Have a part-time worker who needs compute-intensive software but only works eight hours a week? The pay-as-you-go plan is made for you. This option is perfect for SMBs with tight budgets, unpredictable work environments or anyone looking to optimize their computer budget.
Hundreds of Options
We’ve talked about AVD’s benefits, now let’s take a peek at some specific systems. Azure offers a staggering amount of options, so we’re going to highlight a few we’ve found to be particularly useful for our clients.
Compute-Optimized
For those looking to push their computer to its limits, compute-optimized systems are here for you. Made for fast processing and heavy workloads, you can expect maximum performance when utilizing one of these systems. Folks in finance or healthcare can turn to AVD to help with real-time data analysis or quickly crunch numbers in a complex dataset. But compute-optimized systems aren’t limited to these industries. Anyone looking to process vast amounts of data can benefit from any one of AVD’s compute-optimized systems.
GPU Series
Any engineer knows the importance of a graphics processing unit (GPU). Strong GPUs are required to run modeling and design software such as AutoCAD or Maya, as well as video editing software like Adobe Premiere. AVD’s GPU series provides dozens of graphics-ready systems with multiple configuration options. Do you need the power of one graphics card? How about two? Eight!? AVD has you covered, whatever your workload.
Memory-Optimized
Also known as high-RAM computers, these systems are all about speed. If you work with large data analytics, you’ll find a memory-optimized system perfect. Really, any industry that finds themselves needing to process information as fast as possible will find something useful within this series of systems.
Virtual Servers
We’ve talked about virtual desktops, but what about virtual servers? Virtual servers operate like any other virtual system. Pulling across Azure’s many categories, AVD provides SMBs the ability to deploy any server anywhere. Need a database server for your financial data deployed today? Go take a look at one of those memory-optimized systems. How about an application server for your new website? Compute-optimized has you covered. These bountiful server options possess the same seamless and simple flexibility seen across all of AVD.
To see an extensive list of all available virtual systems, their specifications, and prices, take a look at Azure’s pricing here.
Work Smarter
High-performance computing isn’t getting any cheaper, and remote work any less complex. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these aspects of your business, it’s time to seriously consider enlisting AVD. Remember – working hard is good, but working smart is essential.
Need Help?
We understand that making the swap to a virtual environment can be daunting, but you don’t need to take it on alone. The 20 MSP has helped hundreds of clients go virtual and can help you do the same.
Schedule your call today!