Despite support for windows 7 ending in January 2020, over 100 million computers still run this increasingly outdated operating system. In addition to not having access to the full Microsoft Office roster, those that still use outdated versions of Windows are currently at risk of bugs, faults, and cyber-attacks! Fortunately, Microsoft now offer Windows Virtual Desktop, an exciting IT environment designed to solve common business problems, especially useful for businesses reliant on legacy apps.
Although many businesses feel this way, ever since September 2019 Microsoft have put the perfect solution in place, that being Microsoft’s Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD). With WVD, it is possible to keep using your important software, but with all the benefits of office 365 applications and support, from cloud storage and windows 10 implementation to links between your application data and office 365, WVD combines it all. Furthermore, with remote work becoming commonplace, the need to have an adaptable, collaborative and essentially all-encompassing ‘workspace’, that can be accessed via the cloud through any device, is quickly becoming a necessity.
If you’re not already, now is the time to start considering Windows Virtual Desktop as your next IT infrastructure upgrade. With each day that you don’t, the security risks that come with using an outdated workspace increase.
How Does it Work?
Firstly, if you are an Office 365 user already - as over 258 million people are worldwide – adding WVD into your package is much simpler and cost-effective. Your existing Office 365 licences will work as normal in WVD and therefore there is only a small cost increase over your existing licence. Furthermore, your licences are automatically incorporated into WVD, so your productivity suite and cloud storage tools are available with your Windows Virtual Desktop immediately, with no time or effort spent on setup.
For those that don’t currently have access to the full Office 365 package, you have a lot to look forward to. Windows Virtual Desktop will seamlessly bridge the gap between your current office 365 apps and data, and your legacy applications. Windows Virtual Desktop uses the Azure platform, Microsoft’s Cloud Computing Service, to create a server-based computing environment in the cloud. This means it is friendly to your legacy applications.
This works so well because Windows Virtual Desktop is built-in Azure, which is the same platform used to host Office 365 services, OneDrive for business, and SharePoint, it’s simple to connect your cloud storage outlets to your Windows Virtual Desktop environment – so you never have to worry about your crucial files and data being outside your workspace.
The Benefits of Office 365
Adopting Office 365 into your desktop will allow you to take advantage of all Office 365 tools and the benefits they bring. Below are some of the applications you can look forward to using if you were to upgrade:
OneDrive – Used to save documents, photos and other files in the cloud whilst allowing you to share them with colleagues and business associates in real-time, additionally, OneDrive allows for real-time collaboration on most Microsoft Office applications.
Outlook – Primarily an email client, Outlook also includes such functions as calendaring, task managing, contact managing, note-taking, and journal logging.
SharePoint – Primarily used to create websites, SharePoint can also be used as a secure place to store, organize, share and access information from any device.
Teams – The industry-leading video, messaging, and group collaboration platform, that currently boasts an astounding 145 million+ daily users.
Full access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint - The staple applications of Office 365, that you're almost certainly familiar with.
All this and more comes as part of Windows Virtual Desktop implementation. Most importantly, in addition to all these useful resources, you’ll be able to access your legacy applications through the same up to date and flexible Virtual desktop.
The Microsoft Partner You Need
If you, like many others want to adopt Windows Virtual desktop into your business but don’t know where to start we advise you enlist the help of a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP), such as entrust IT. The entrust IT group have been at the forefront of Office 365 and Windows Virtual Desktop implementation since its release. We’ve worked with countless businesses building their perfect IT environment, whilst providing bespoke IT support.
If you partnered with entrust IT, we would provide you with a WVD licence at no extra cost but, unlike buying from Microsoft directly, you will also have access to entrust IT’s industry-leading support team giving your staff peace of mind, knowing they have access to a friendly, UK based IT team.
Crucial legacy applications were once a barrier for businesses looking to adopt Windows 10 and Office 365, but with the introduction of Windows Virtual Desktop, this is no longer the case. Businesses can keep their legacy apps and still use all the new and exciting applications and features Microsoft provides.
If you feel ready to take the first step towards bettering your business's virtual workspace or simply want to learn some more about Windows Virtual Desktop, please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our experienced consultants on 0330 002 0045 or email enquires@entrustit.co.uk.
