Microsoft is bringing its Azure Virtual Desktop solution to on-premises environments via Azure Stack HCI.

Microsoft brings Azure Virtual Desktop to Azure Stack HCI. With the introduction of version 23H2 of the on-premises Azure stack, it becomes compatible with the VDI solution. So the circle is almost complete. With Azure VDI, Microsoft takes care of Windows computers in the cloud, so that individual boxes on-premise are no longer necessary. Now these cloud computers are returning to the on-premises environment where they can run in a local data center.

Local is key

This is particularly beneficial for organizations where VDI is the right solution, but data is stored locally due to regulations or latency requirements. With this offer, Microsoft is competing with Cirtrix and – for now – VMware. With Broadcom’s acquisition, VMware’s focus on VDI has disappeared and the portfolio is on display. In any case, VDI specialists have had an on-premises offering from the start, so it makes sense that Microsoft would offer something like that too.

So the timing isn’t bad. Microsoft, like other parties, sees an opportunity to steal away VMware customers. Azure VDI on Azure Stack HCI can be a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Please note: We are talking about Azure Virtual Desktop and not Azure Virtual Desktop. Both services have an identical name, but one of the two is a legacy solution that Microsoft discontinued at the end of last year. The current AVD is fully integrated with Azure.