Navigating Virtualization Post-Broadcom Acquisition: Microsoft AVD and AVS as Key Solutions

Since the Broadcom acquisition of VMware, the topic of desktop and server virtualization has gained significant attention.  

There have been no shortages of critical opinions and suggested strategies for how Broadcom should take with VMware; according to Ars Technica, "VMware customers may stay, but Broadcom could face backlash for years to come.” Regardless of where Broadcom takes VMware the overall topic of computer virtualization is evolving rapidly.   

Evaluating the Options for Existing VMware Clients

There are many options for existing VMware clients to re-evaluate their current virtualization strategy. Two of the most compelling involve Microsoft AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) and AVS (Azure VMware Solution). Navigating these modern virtualization options can be both complicated and confusing for organizations. With all the concern regarding Citrix and VMware’s long-term viability, companies today are quickly reviewing options and building alternative plans. Microsoft is offering customers attractive solutions that include virtualization funding opportunities and fixed pricing. Bob Pugh, BDO Azure Lead, comments: “AVS is the fastest and easiest way to migrate your VMware environment to the cloud.” Microsoft’s offering is available today, and for a limited time, you can lock in pricing for up to five years. 

Getting Started with Virtualization

BDO is offering complimentary assessments to help customers understand their options, explore funded deployments based on qualifications, and provide virtualization managed services. All three BDO offers are structured to help clients understand their best path forward. Following the approach outlined below, BDO provides a set of long-term recommendations in a roadmap with key initiatives and tactical next steps to reduce deployment risks and realize cost savings. 

Microsoft Virtualization Solutions: AVD and AVS

Microsoft AVD and AVS offer great options and value.  

AVS is a fully managed service allowing you to run VMware workloads natively on Azure. If you currently run VMware, AVS provides a familiar environment in Azure, enabling the use of existing tools and processes for managing and operating your VMware workloads. With AVS, you can migrate to the cloud with little or no refactoring. It also allows you to scale the environment up or down quickly and easily to meet business demands, improving your disaster recovery and security profile. Even better, AVS is the fastest path to the cloud, where you can innovate on your workloads with more than 200 Azure Services. 

AVD, formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop, is an Azure desktop and application virtualization service that enables users to access a full Windows desktop experience remotely. It allows organizations to deploy and scale virtualized Windows desktops and apps on Azure, providing a flexible, secure, and cost-effective way to deliver a full Windows experience to employees, regardless of their location. It supports multi-session Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server desktops, allowing multiple users to share the same virtual machine while maintaining personal profiles and settings. 

BDO’s Managed Virtualization Services

For clients looking to move into a modern virtualization environment but concerned about supporting the new technology, BDO offers Managed Virtualization services for both AVD and AVS. This managed service employs a structured approach to help improve the stability, performance, and security of your AVD & AVS environment. 

Key Benefits of BDO's Virtualization Managed Service: 

• Reduce Risk: Implement a protection strategy for IT assets to control data and systems risk. 
• Simplify Administration: Decrease the complexity and distraction of deploying, managing, and maintaining the AVD/AVS environment. 
• Optimize Cost: Identify cost optimization opportunities across the AVD infrastructure and provide predictable costs to manage the AVD environment. 

The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has brought renewed attention to virtualization strategies, compelling many companies to explore alternatives to ensure scalability, security, and cost-efficiency. By leveraging Microsoft solutions such as AVD and AVS, businesses can migrate to the cloud with confidence, supported by familiar tools and new opportunities for innovation. BDO's managed services and complimentary assessments are designed to help organizations navigate this transition smoothly, reduce risk, and optimize their IT investments. As virtualization continues to evolve, partnering with experts like BDO can provide the clarity and support needed to make informed decisions and drive successful outcomes. 

Contact us today for a complimentary assessment to explore funded deployments and better understand how our virtualization managed services can help solve your current needs.