What is Microsoft AVD and Azure Local
The Microsoft AVD and Azure Local Hype: What They Are, When to Use Them, and What They Replace
Flexibility, security, and cost-efficiency are critical, especially for industries operating under strict compliance and uptime requirements. Two powerful solutions from Microsoft are redefining the way organizations think about virtual desktops and infrastructure: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Azure Local.
Together, these technologies offer a modern, scalable alternative to legacy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) like Citrix and VMware, while meeting the unique needs of both cloud-first and on-premises environments.
What Is Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a fully cloud-based desktop and application virtualization service that runs in Microsoft Azure. It allows organizations to deliver Windows desktops and apps securely to any device from virtually anywhere.
Key Features:
- Multi-session Windows 11/10
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365
- Native support for FSLogix user profile containers
- Advanced identity and access controls via Microsoft Entra ID
- Built-in autoscaling to optimize cloud compute usage
What Is Azure Local?
Azure Local (powered by Azure Stack HCI) brings cloud capabilities to your data center, offering a compliant, on-premise infrastructure that is tightly integrated with the Azure ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Run virtual desktops and workloads on-premises using the same tools and frameworks as Azure
- Ideal for data residency, compliance, or latency-sensitive workloads
- Hybrid cloud ready—extend to Azure when needed
- Native support for AVD session hosts and management tools
- Hardware-integrated solutions optimized for local performance
When Should You Use AVD or Azure Local?
Each solution shines in specific use cases:
Use Azure Virtual Desktop when:
- You want cloud-first, centralized IT management
- Workforce is remote, distributed, or mobile
- You need rapid scalability without hardware purchases
- Your organization already uses Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and Intune
- You’re looking to replace or retire legacy Citrix/VMware environments
Use Azure Local when:
- Compliance requires local data storage (e.g., financial, education, government)
- You have low-latency workloads that can’t tolerate cloud distance
- Internet reliability is limited or inconsistent
- You want a hybrid architecture that keeps critical systems on-prem while extending to Azure cloud
What Technologies Do They Replace?
Microsoft AVD and Azure Local are built to replace or modernize traditional VDI stacks. That includes:
Replacing Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops
- No more third-party licensing
- Built-in remote access, user policy, and security controls
- Lower TCO over time, especially when using Microsoft 365 entitlements
Replacing VMware Horizon and ESXi
- Use Azure-native infrastructure instead of costly hypervisors
- Simplified virtual machine and desktop management with Nerdio or Azure tools
- Avoid lock-in to legacy virtual infrastructure platforms
Replacing On-Prem Servers for Desktop Delivery
- Reduce hardware dependencies with cloud-hosted desktops
- For industries that still need local control, Azure Local modernizes legacy servers with a cloud-connected twist
Who Should Be Looking at These Solutions?
Ideal Industries:
- Healthcare – meet HIPAA compliance and secure PHI data locally or in Azure
- Financial Services – low latency trading apps, SOC compliance, secure identity access
- Education – secure student and staff access with hybrid campus models
- Government – data residency and uptime-critical operations
- Manufacturing – connect floor workers and engineering teams with zero trust security
Final Thoughts
The future of desktop infrastructure is no longer an “either-or” between cloud and on-prem—it’s both. Microsoft AVD and Azure Local allow your organization to move forward at your own pace, with full flexibility, security, and efficiency.
Whether you’re replacing Citrix, moving away from costly VMware setups, or looking to align with a modern Microsoft-native stack, AVD and Azure Local offer a future-ready solution.
Need help deciding what path is right for your environment?
LKMethod has decades of experience designing and deploying VDI—from legacy Citrix platforms to fully modern Azure hybrid environments.
