Azure Virtual Desktop Report: Performance Gripe

A recent report reveals that performance problems are the biggest complaint among Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) users. While AVD adoption is growing as companies embrace cloud-based desktops, issues like slow execution and logins significantly impact the user experience. This article examines key findings from the eG Innovations and AVD TechFest report, highlighting common AVD challenges and how they can be addressed.

Study Perspective and Scope

eG Innovations and AVD TechFest surveyed over 500 IT professionals about Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Their analysis, from early 2022, shows promising growth for AVD, with 58% of respondents planning implementation within two years and 26% already using it. Most respondents were from North America (36%), Asia (26%), and Europe (19%), with 73% of AVD projects involving fewer than 1000 users.

Common Problems in Azure Virtual Desktop

Usability (22%), cloud costs (22%), and security (16%) were primary concerns for participants. However, security confidence in Azure Virtual Desktop services is generally high. The most significant complaint, cited by 47% of participants, was poor performance due to slow execution. Users also reported slow logins (40%), video call issues (31%), lack of USB device support (31%), and increased keystroke latency (28%). These issues are often rooted in infrastructure, pointing to the need for end-to-end monitoring.

Nearly half of respondents (48%) desired end-to-end monitoring of Azure Virtual Desktops, including session hosts and Microsoft Entra ID. While Microsoft Azure Monitor is popular, users found it expensive (30%) with unpredictable costs (30%). Other frustrations included manual alert configuration (26%) and the need to write Kusto queries for reports (19%).

Typical Usage of Azure Virtual Desktop

Most participants use Microsoft Azure for AVD services, though 34% use Citrix VDAs on Azure. Organizations using Citrix and VMware solutions tend to have more AVD end-users. The most popular AVD storage option was Windows File Server (49%), followed by Azure Files (32%) and Azure NetApp Files (13%).

Preferred virtual devices for AVD typically feature 4 vCPU/16GB RAM or 8 vCPU/16GB RAM. Interestingly, most respondents used laptops (72%) and PCs (60%) rather than thin clients (39%). A significant 61% used GPUs for acceleration, which the authors noted as surprisingly high given the low overall GPU support in Azure.

The Microsoft Virtual Desktop Optimization tool was used by 38% of IT pros for AVD image creation, with Citrix Optimizer (19%) and VMware OSOT (18%) also being used. Microsoft’s FSLogix was the preferred management tool. Authentication methods included Active Directory plus Azure Connector (50%) and Microsoft Entra ID Domain Services (18%).

Other Findings

The survey found that 80% of respondents do not consider Azure Virtual Desktop their sole option for a digital workspace. Other remote desktop solutions used alongside AVD include Microsoft RDS (43%), Citrix Cloud (31%), Citrix Virtual Apps (31%), VMware Horizon (30%), and Amazon Workspaces (21%). The choice depends on specific company needs.

ezeep – Delivering Improved AVD Performance

While Azure Virtual Desktop offers many benefits, performance issues are a common complaint. Printing consistently emerged as a performance issue, reported by 21% of participants. The issue arises because printing in a virtualized environment departs from traditional local printing. With virtual desktops, suitable drivers must be on the server, and central management is essential due to the lack of direct visual printer assignment. Print jobs also connect differently than other services, complicating the process.

This printing challenge particularly impacts the workplace. Many are investing in supplementary technologies to enhance the end-user experience. ezeep offers an approach to simplify printing with Azure Virtual Desktop. ezeep is a cloud printing service optimized for office use. It provides up to 5-times faster printing and broad compatibility with existing printer models. IT departments can scale printing for any number of devices via an admin portal, allowing for central management.

ezeep is available for free and integrates with Microsoft Entra ID. A key ezeep feature is cloud rendering, eliminating the need for local printer drivers or Windows machines on-site. This removes the necessity of direct printer assignment to workstations, letting users print from anywhere and choose their output device.

How ezeep Works

After integrating the ezeep print app on Azure Virtual Desktop and configuring the ezeep Connector app, users can print smoothly via browser or the Remote Desktop App. Customized rules allow users to see relevant printers in their AVD session. Print jobs are compressed in the ezeep cloud and encrypted before transfer to the connector. By bridging cloud print jobs with physical print infrastructure, ezeep allows printing on any device, anywhere. Built on ThinPrint technology, trusted by Fortune 500 organizations, ezeep handles millions of pages daily.

ezeep also enhances company security with strong multi-factor authentication and zero-trust printing. The latter enables printing in highly segmented networks using the ezeep Hub. Furthermore, the cloud printing service combines with pull printing, where printing only occurs after local user authentication, like scanning a QR code. This method ensures secure printing, as documents are only accessible to authenticated individuals.

Thanks to the Printer Profiles feature, ezeep offers default printer settings in the virtual desktop session. This provides access to a wide range of printer settings, unlike Microsoft’s default printer redirection. Additionally, monitoring and reporting features are useful tools for admins, and integrations with Zapier and Make ensure ezeep fits many use cases.

Azure Virtual Desktop Printing Solutions

Learn more about the services ezeep offers your enterprise.

Explore how ezeep addresses AVD printing challenges. Print through the cloud, manage devices from one dashboard, and make printing the boring part of your day.