Today, businesses continually seek to improve their operations and enhance productivity by adopting cutting-edge solutions. A key area of focus is modern endpoint management, which involves connecting to various data centers, cloud-based applications, and products.
Below, we will explore the expansion of endpoint management, focusing on Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Below, we will delve into the differences between these solutions, their benefits, and their implications for organizations’ identity and security management.
What is Endpoint Management and How Has it Expanded?
Endpoint management encompasses the practice of connecting devices and users to various resources and applications. Traditionally, the scope of endpoint management was limited to Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS devices.
However, with the rapid growth of cloud-based services and virtualization, the definition of endpoints has expanded to include Linux, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows 365.
Workload Identity and Customer Identity:
Within the expansion of endpoint technologies, workload identity, and customer identity play significant roles. Workload identity refers to assigning identities to specific machines to facilitate administrative tasks. This process can be user-assigned or system-assigned, depending on the level of access required. On the other hand, customer identity deals with the creation of separate environments for customer-facing applications, ensuring robust security and user experiences.
The Endpoint Expansion with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop:
Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop are two crucial components of endpoint expansion. Windows 365 is targeted at organizations that lack the resources to manage complex virtual environments. Users can easily access their pre-configured virtual machines through Intune, without the need for complex backend management.
On the other hand, Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive ecosystem that provides dedicated virtual machines to specific user groups. Organizations can spin up virtual machines with desired resources, making them ideal for collaborative teams that require specialized applications and tools.
Differentiating Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop:
The primary distinction between Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop lies in their management models. Windows 365 is designed for organizations seeking a streamlined approach with minimal administrative overhead. In contrast, Azure Virtual Desktop provides greater control and customization, making it suitable for larger enterprises with complex requirements.
Use Cases of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
- Where a legacy application is required to sit on a mainframe next to a database
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is frequently deployed for performance optimization. When administrators choose not to move certain apps to the cloud, it can cause problems with performance. AVD can help solve this issue while delivering a high performance. With AVD virtual machines, end-users can securely access these applications remotely, ensuring efficient individual sessions.
- App virtualization sessions
This use case is tailored to individual applications, running seamlessly via virtualization for a consistent user experience. It’s a favored choice when you only need to virtualize a specific app, leaving all other activities unaffected.
- High-Powered Computing
In various situations, end-users may require temporary access to high-powered computing. For example, employees handling video editing tasks often need substantial computing power for rendering large, memory-intensive videos. However, this need is not constant.During these specific times, AVD enables high-powered computing on demand. End-users can easily utilize it when necessary and seamlessly return to their regular environment.
Use Cases for Windows 365
- Fractional and Temporary Workers
Looking for a temporary PC solution? Windows 365 cloud PCs offer a great option. Reduce cost by having interns or temporary workers use their own devices. They can connect to Windows 365 Cloud PC instead of buying new ones.You can even offer a small stipend for using their laptops. Employees appreciate the convenience of using their own equipment while keeping work and personal life separate.Have a fractional C-suite employee? Enable them with a Windows 365 Cloud PC. They can use their preferred physical equipment, often managed by their own firm. When they work for you, the Cloud PC ensures a secure, managed connection to your environment.This approach is popular among C-suite executives, physicians, and high-salary workers juggling multiple roles across different companies.
- Overseas Employees
For overseas employees, achieving device compliance can be challenging. Yet, you can provide secure and efficient access to company resources for your international team through Windows 365 Cloud PC. Deployment and management of a Windows 365 PC can allow an overseas resource to use their personal devices while enjoying the same experience as your domestic staff. All without compromising your business’s security.Additionally, Windows 365 Cloud PC eliminates the need to ship devices to overseas employees. With international teams becoming more common, many organizations find Cloud PC a convenient alternative to the logistical challenges of delivering physical machines to remote workers.
- High-Security Work
Windows 365 Cloud PC offers top-notch security for high-security tasks. Users with stringent security needs can access company resources securely from anywhere. Admins can also grant precise access privileges to individuals and groups, safeguarding the most sensitive assets.
- Supply Chain Shortages
Amid ongoing hardware shortages during the pandemic, many businesses have encountered challenges in procuring costly new machines, particularly as they experience rapid growth.To address this issue, Cloud PC serves as a solution to mitigate supply chain constraints. New hires and individuals requiring new hardware can seamlessly access company resources using their personal devices alongside Windows 365 Cloud PC, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
Conclusion:
The expansion of endpoint technologies, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and other cloud-based solutions, offers organizations greater flexibility and productivity. It allows for tailored virtual environments, increased security, and simplified management. As organizations continue to adopt these technologies, the significance of identity management and governance cannot be overstated. Properly implementing these solutions and adhering to best practices ensure a secure and efficient endpoint management strategy.
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- Do we manually provision every Windows device?
- Are we still dealing with passwords for devices and apps?
- Do we spend so much time keeping devices updated?
- Do we still run on-premise servers and data centers?
- Do we still need a VPN to access company resources?
- Are we still providing local, on-site, IT support services?
Andrew Reade
Andrew is our Digital Marketing Manager and oversees web-based marketing strategies and content creation for the organization. As a marketing veteran, Andrew has worked with organizations of all sizes in a diverse group of industries, from Risk Management to Transportation. Joining the organization in 2021, Andrew is based in Mobile Mentor’s Nashville, TN office.
