In a market where competitiveness and profitability are essential, when deploying Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), an MSP must master the different types of profiles. More than just a technical configuration, choosing the right AVD profile directly influences costs, performance, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to combine financial advantages with technical expertise.
Why are AVD profiles strategic?
AVD profiles define how users interact with their virtual environments. They impact:
- Azure resource consumption (CPU, RAM, storage)
- Monthly costs related to CSP billing
- User experience, which influences customer loyalty and added value.
A poor choice can lead to significant additional costs or insufficient performance. Conversely, a well-suited profile optimizes ROI and reduces operational expenses.
The main types of AVD profiles
Local profiles
- Stored directly on the virtual machine.
- Advantage: Simplicity.
- Limitation: Inflexible, difficult to manage in multi-session environments.
Roaming Profiles
- Synchronization between multiple sessions.
- Advantage: User mobility.
- Limitation: Risk of slowness and management complexity.
FSLogix Profile Containers (the current standard)
- Profile storage in containers on Azure Files or Storage.
- Advantage: Performance, multi-session compatibility, reduced corruption issues.
- Financial impact: Cost optimization through better resource management.
Volatile Profile (Ephemeral Disks)
- A temporary volume associated with the virtual machine.
- Advantage: High performance and minimal latency.
- Financial impact: Reduced storage costs because their cost is included in the VM.
Financial impact: Where are the savings?
Depending on the chosen strategy:
- Reduced storage costs
- Less technical support
For an MSP, these gains translate into higher margins and greater competitiveness in the Quebec market.
Technical tips for success:
Assess user needs: Heavyweight applications? Multiple sessions?
Configure FSLogix correctly: Choose the right backend (Azure Files vs. Storage).
Monitor performance: Use Azure Monitor for continuous adjustments.
AVD profiles are not just a technical detail: they are a financial and strategic lever for MSPs. By combining cost optimization and technical excellence, you offer your clients a high-performing and profitable solution.
Want to know more?
Already an ITCloud partner?
Attend our upcoming events on Azure by going to our page: ITCloud Events
Webinar – February 18 | Understanding AVD profiles: a strategic approach
Training – February 19 | Mastering deployment and optimizing AVD profiles
Otherwise, sign up now to simplify how you source, sell, and manage technology for your customers with ITCloud. At ITCloud, we help you find solutions, strengthen your engagements, and become significantly more profitable.