What Exactly Is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop is a Microsoft cloud service that lets businesses run Windows desktops and applications in Azure instead of running them on physical computers at the office. Think of it as giving every user a personal or shared Windows machine that lives in the cloud, with all the apps, data, profiles, and security settings they need.

Employees can access their “virtual PC” on almost any device—Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or even just a browser. No more worrying about whether the laptop they use is powerful enough. The performance happens in Azure.

Key parts of what AVD offers:

1. A full Windows experience in the cloud

Users get a familiar Windows 10 or Windows 11 desktop. Nothing changes for them except where the computing actually happens.

2. Centralised management

Instead of managing dozens or hundreds of individual devices, IT teams manage a set of Azure-based desktops and apps. Updates, security, and deployments happen in one place.

3. Secure, isolated access

Data never sits on the endpoint device. Everything stays in Azure. This reduces the risk of data loss if a laptop gets stolen, lost, or compromised.

4. Pay only for what you use

Because it’s a cloud service, customers pay for compute only when desktops are running. This keeps costs predictable and can be scaled up and down easily.

In simple terms:
AVD gives users an easy way to work from anywhere while giving IT a cleaner, safer, and more flexible way to deliver desktops and apps.

Why AVD Matters for CSP Indirect Resellers

You’re not just selling a product—you’re offering a solution that can anchor a long-term services relationship. AVD creates opportunities for:

• monthly recurring revenue through Azure consumption
• services revenue through setup, migration, optimisation, and ongoing management
• opportunities to bundle security, networking, and licensing services
• differentiation from competitors who offer only basic cloud solutions

When you introduce AVD, you aren’t just pitching cloud desktops—you're positioning yourself as a partner who solves real business challenges.

Let’s look at the most important benefits for your customers and how they translate into opportunities for you.

Key Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop for End-Customers

1. Work-from-anywhere becomes simple

Many businesses now operate with hybrid or fully remote teams. AVD gives them a consistent desktop experience regardless of where people connect from. It eliminates the headaches of slow VPNs, unreliable home devices, and inconsistent setups.

For resellers, this becomes a clear message:

“We can help your workforce stay productive and secure from anywhere.”

2. Stronger security without extra hardware

Security is one of the biggest selling points. With AVD:

• no data is stored on user devices
• access policies are centralised
• integration with Microsoft Entra ID provides advanced identity protection
• Conditional Access can block risky sign-ins automatically
• MFA becomes seamless
• Compliance is easier because everything stays in Azure

This is great for customers in finance, healthcare, legal, or any sector that deals with sensitive information.

For you, security conversations often open the door to additional services such as endpoint management, security reviews, and Azure networking optimisation.

3. Lower hardware costs

Businesses don’t have to buy high-powered laptops for everyone. Even an older device can be a portal into a fast, cloud-hosted desktop.

This is a perfect upsell moment:

“Instead of spending on new hardware refreshes, invest in a secure, scalable cloud desktop solution.”

4. Predictable and optimised costs

Because AVD runs in Azure, customers pay only for what’s needed:

• scale down after hours
• power off desktops automatically
• create pools of shared desktops for users with similar roles
• reduce over-provisioning of compute resources

You can also introduce cost optimisation services as part of your offering.

5. Centralised updates and maintenance

Instead of managing updates across hundreds of physical machines, IT teams update a single shared image, and every user benefits instantly.

This reduces support calls for you and simplifies life for the customer.

6. Easy integration with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Cloud services

Because it’s Microsoft-built, everything works smoothly with:

• Microsoft 365 Apps
• OneDrive and SharePoint
• Teams optimisations
• Entra ID
• Defender for Cloud and endpoint security
• Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files

This means you can build complete solution bundles around AVD.

Top Use Cases You Can Position to Your Customers

These are the scenarios where AVD delivers the most value—and where resellers can build compelling offerings.

1. Remote and hybrid workers

Employees need secure access to applications and company data no matter where they work. AVD removes the need for risky local storage or slow VPN connections.

Perfect for businesses with:

• distributed teams
• field workers
• contractors
• staff who travel frequently

2. Contractors or temporary employees

Many companies struggle with onboarding short-term workers quickly. AVD lets them spin up a secure desktop instantly, then remove access with a single click at the end of the contract.

This protects company data and avoids the cost of issuing new laptops for temporary staff.

3. Legacy application access

Some older apps don’t run well on modern devices or browsers. With AVD, the application runs in the cloud, and users connect through the virtual desktop.

Industries that often benefit include:

• manufacturing
• engineering firms
• accounting firms
• property management
• government agencies

This is often an easy entry point because the customer is already aware of the limitations of their legacy systems.

4. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments

If employees or contractors want to use their own laptops or tablets, AVD keeps the business secure while giving users the flexibility they want.

This is ideal for organisations trying to avoid major hardware spending.

5. Security-first industries

Sectors with strict security or compliance standards often choose AVD to keep data centralised:

• healthcare
• legal services
• financial services
• insurance
• public sector

Because data stays in Azure, not on local devices, the risk of data leakage drops significantly.

6. Disaster recovery and continuity planning

If offices are hit by outages, load shedding, connectivity problems, or natural disasters, AVD keeps users operational from any location with internet access. This is a big concern in South Africa and many other regions.

It becomes a compelling value pitch:

“Your staff can keep working even if your office can’t.”

How Resellers Can Build Revenue Around AVD

As a CSP Indirect Provider, we encourage our resellers to think beyond the initial deployment. AVD is a platform you can build full-service offerings around, such as:

• AVD assessment and readiness workshops
• Migration services (apps, profiles, data)
• Image and application management
• Ongoing optimisation and monitoring
• Bundled security and licensing packages
• Helpdesk and support services
• Network and identity configuration

These service layers increase your margins while giving customers ongoing support they value.

Final Thoughts: AVD Creates Real Opportunities for Resellers

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop isn't just another cloud feature. It’s a practical solution to real business problems—remote work, security, ageing hardware, complex IT management, and rising cyber threats.

For resellers, AVD also:

• strengthens customer relationships
• unlocks recurring revenue
• supports add-on services
• positions you as a trusted advisor
• gives you a competitive edge in the market

The demand for flexible, secure access to desktops and applications is not slowing down. AVD gives you a strong, scalable tool to meet that demand.

If you want help designing your own AVD offering or building a full sales and technical strategy around it, reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. —we’re here to support you every step of the way.