AWS Workspaces vs Azure Virtual Desktop: A Comprehensive Comparison

AWS Workspaces and Azure Virtual Desktop are two popular cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. AWS Workspaces offers a simple and cost-effective way to deploy virtual desktops in the cloud.

Both platforms provide a scalable and secure way to manage virtual desktops, but they have some key differences. AWS Workspaces requires a one-time fee for the first 10 users, while Azure Virtual Desktop offers a free tier for up to 10 users.

One of the main advantages of AWS Workspaces is its seamless integration with other AWS services. This allows for easy deployment and management of virtual desktops.

AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop are two cloud-based services that enable businesses to access their desktop environment from anywhere, at any time. They centralize desktop management, host the operating system on a remote server, and deliver it over the internet to end-user devices.

These services are essentially Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions, which maintain desktop images in a centralized server farm. With VDI, the actual computing happens on the server, making it easier to manage and secure your desktop environment.

AWS WorkSpaces is a managed desktop service that offers a fast and secure way to access your desktop environment from any device. It allows companies to subscribe to desktops on a per-user basis, where AWS is responsible for maintenance, backups, updates, and data storage.

Azure Virtual Desktop, on the other hand, offers a scalable and secure virtual desktop infrastructure that allows users to access their desktop environment from anywhere. It provides a consistent and secure desktop experience, ensuring that geographical location or device availability does not hinder employee productivity.

Here's a brief comparison of the two services:

Both services support remote work, ensure business continuity, safeguard sensitive data, streamline IT management, optimize operational costs, and support temporary workforces. By leveraging these services, businesses can address these use cases with high efficiency, ensuring not only the continuity of their operations but also the security and integrity of their data and applications.

Both AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop offer a range of features, but they differ in some key areas. AWS WorkSpaces provides a scalable cloud desktop experience, while Azure Virtual Desktop offers comprehensive desktop and app virtualization.

One key difference is the operating system options available. AWS WorkSpaces offers both Windows and Linux OS options, while Azure Virtual Desktop only offers Windows. Additionally, AWS WorkSpaces uses Server 2016 for its Windows offering, while Azure Virtual Desktop offers Windows 10 multi-session capability.

Here's a comparison of the two services:

This comparison highlights the key differences between the two services, and can help you decide which one is best for your needs.

AWS WorkSpaces is a more scalable virtual desktop solution compared to Azure Virtual Desktop. It allows customers to choose the number of seats and customize each seat to suit the needs of end-users.

One can customize AWS WorkSpaces individually and in a standardized fashion across the company, making it convenient for departments with different needs and functions. For instance, human resource and finance departments have different needs and functions.

Azure Virtual Desktop also provides scalability, but it bills customers based on the number of virtual desktops they create, the virtual desktop size, and the number of hours the virtual desktop is powered on. This can lead to higher costs for organizations with a large number of virtual desktops.

Amazon WorkSpaces, on the other hand, allows administrators to create custom deployment images by customizing the OS settings and installing required applications. This can be done on a virtual desktop and then used to deploy customized virtual desktops on an as-needed basis.

Both Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop offer highly robust security with multiple layers of protection.

Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop include comprehensive backup solutions to ensure that data is safe in case of any security breaches.

Azure provides free security updates for some of its products, which can be a significant advantage for businesses that rely on Microsoft software.

From a security standpoint, both solutions are more or less equal, but if your business counts on Microsoft software, the remote desktop service offered by Microsoft has a slight edge.

When choosing between AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop, it's essential to consider the operating system support offered by each platform.

AWS WorkSpaces supports both Linux and Windows operating systems, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred OS.

On the other hand, Azure Virtual Desktop only supports the creation of Windows desktops. This limitation may be a significant factor in determining which type of solution is best for your needs.

Here's a quick comparison of the operating system support offered by each platform:

AWS WorkSpaces also offers the option to use Ubuntu Linux desktops, which is not available on Azure Virtual Desktop.

When integrating collaboration and productivity tools, Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop offer different strengths. Amazon WorkSpaces integrates closely with other AWS services, facilitating collaboration through AWS ecosystem tools.

One notable integration for Amazon WorkSpaces is with LiquidWare, a software product that enhances virtual desktop infrastructure. Another integration is with AWS Directory Service, which simplifies user management.

Azure Virtual Desktop, being a Microsoft product, offers seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Teams, enhancing productivity and collaboration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

The following platforms are integrated with Amazon WorkSpaces:

The following platforms are integrated with Azure Virtual Desktop:

Amazon and Microsoft both offer cost calculators to help you estimate the total cost of running virtual desktops in the cloud. These calculators take into account various factors, such as the number of virtual desktops, hardware allocation, and OS choice.

The actual cost of virtual desktops can vary depending on several factors, including the region and virtual desktop size. Amazon's hourly billing model is ideal for situations with light virtual desktop usage, while flat rate billing is better suited for heavy usage.

Microsoft offers various options to drive down costs, such as reservations and the Azure Savings Plan for Compute. However, it's worth noting that Microsoft doesn't offer flat-rate billing, which may be a consideration for organizations prioritizing billing predictability.

The choice between Amazon and Microsoft ultimately comes down to the specific needs and circumstances of your organization. Factors such as the number of planned virtual desktops, OS choice, and hardware allocation all play a role in determining the total cost.

When choosing between Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop, deployment is a crucial factor to consider.

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is ideal for businesses already invested in Microsoft products, as it integrates seamlessly with their software.

On the other hand, Amazon WorkSpaces is a SaaS solution that allows users to choose from various integrations and use Linux or Windows operating systems.

With Amazon WorkSpaces, users have the freedom to use their preferred software applications and tools.

Both services offer robust customization and automation capabilities, but they differ in their approaches and ecosystems.

Amazon WorkSpaces enables customization within the AWS ecosystem and supports automation through AWS services.

Azure Virtual Desktop, on the other hand, integrates deeply with Microsoft's ecosystem, allowing for automation and customization through PowerShell and Azure's management tools.

Integration is a key aspect of both Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop, allowing you to connect with a wide range of software products and applications.

Amazon WorkSpaces integrates with LiquidWare, AWS Directory Service, Amazon Web Services (AWS), FortiSandbox, Rocketbot, TeamViewer Remote Management, TeamViewer Frontline, TeamViewer Tensor, and Service camp.

Azure Virtual Desktop, on the other hand, integrates with LiquidWare, AdminStudio, AuthPoint, Automatic Robotic Process Automation, Azure Security Center, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, and SysTrack.

Both platforms offer seamless integration with their respective ecosystems, making it easy to collaborate and enhance productivity.

Azure Virtual Desktop integrates closely with Microsoft 365 and Teams, while Amazon WorkSpaces facilitates collaboration through AWS ecosystem tools.

Here's a comparison of the integrations offered by each platform:

Deployment can be a complex process, but understanding the different methodologies used by solution providers can make it more manageable.

Businesses that are already invested in Microsoft products may want to consider Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, which integrates virtual Windows machines with Microsoft software.

This can be a seamless transition for companies that are already familiar with Microsoft products, as Azure Virtual Desktop uses the same infrastructure they're already using.

Amazon WorkSpaces, on the other hand, is a SaaS solution that allows users to choose from several integrations to augment their system.

With Amazon WorkSpaces, users have the flexibility to use either Linux or Windows operating systems, giving them more options for customization.

Users of Amazon WorkSpaces are also free to use their software applications and tools, making it a versatile solution for businesses.

Both Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop offer robust customization and automation capabilities, though they differ slightly in their approaches and ecosystems.

Amazon WorkSpaces allows for the customization of desktop environments within the AWS ecosystem, supporting automation through AWS services.

Azure Virtual Desktop integrates deeply with Microsoft’s ecosystem, enabling automation and customization through PowerShell and Azure’s own set of management tools.

The choice between them may depend on the specific automation needs and the existing infrastructure of the organization.

AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop are two popular cloud desktop solutions that cater to different business needs. AWS WorkSpaces offers a scalable cloud desktop with straightforward provisioning, while Azure Virtual Desktop provides comprehensive desktop and app virtualization with a unique Windows 10 multi-session experience.

For businesses embedded in Microsoft's ecosystem, Azure Virtual Desktop is the better choice, as it's unified with Azure services and optimized for Windows 10 and Microsoft 365. On the other hand, AWS WorkSpaces is more suitable for businesses that require system-agnostic solutions, offering Amazon Linux.

Here's a comparison of the two solutions:

In terms of security, both solutions have their strengths. AWS WorkSpaces has broad security certification, while Azure Virtual Desktop is integrated with Microsoft's security stack. Ultimately, the choice between AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop depends on your specific business needs and ecosystem.

Azure Virtual Desktop has a four-year experience edge over Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop, launched in September 2018, while Amazon WorkSpaces was rolled out in March 2014.

Amazon WorkSpaces has been around longer, but both solution providers offer excellent cloud infrastructure and continuously develop new functionalities for a smooth experience.

If stability is your top priority, Amazon WorkSpaces is the better choice for Desktop as a Service (DaaS).

Performance and Reliability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a virtual desktop solution. Both Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop are susceptible to slight lag once someone launches apps.

The delay is relatively less intrusive when using programs by Azure. Amazon WorkSpaces, on the other hand, offers a firm SLA (server-level agreement) that signifies the minimum uptime.

Amazon boasts a 99.99% uptime SLA and is thus liable to a financial penalty if it fails to meet its stated availability. This makes it a good option for businesses that require a high level of reliability.

AWS Workspaces offers a 99.9% uptime SLA, providing a guaranteed level of reliability. Azure Virtual Desktop, however, "strives to attain at least 99.9% availability" but does not offer a financially backed service level agreement.

In terms of performance, both Amazon WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop perform fairly similarly using native remote applications. However, the delay launching programs and applications is slightly less noticeable with Azure Virtual Desktop.

When evaluating cloud desktop solutions, it's essential to consider the features each offers. AWS WorkSpaces provides a scalable cloud desktop, while Azure Virtual Desktop offers comprehensive desktop and app virtualization, including a unique Windows 10 multi-session experience.

AWS WorkSpaces is system agnostic, offering Amazon Linux, whereas Azure Virtual Desktop is best suited for businesses deeply embedded in Microsoft's ecosystem. This difference in compatibility can impact the choice of solution.

The integration of these solutions with other services is also crucial. AWS WorkSpaces integrates seamlessly with AWS services, whereas Azure Virtual Desktop is unified with Azure services. This can affect the overall workflow and efficiency of the organization.

Deployment is another critical aspect to consider. AWS WorkSpaces offers straightforward provisioning, whereas Azure Virtual Desktop requires familiarity with Microsoft's ecosystem and broader customization options. This can impact the time and expertise required for deployment.

In terms of performance, both solutions offer consistent scaling, but AWS WorkSpaces allows users to pay for what they use, whereas Azure Virtual Desktop is optimized for Windows 10 and Microsoft 365. This can impact the overall cost and efficiency of the solution.

Security is also a vital consideration. AWS WorkSpaces has broad security certification, whereas Azure Virtual Desktop is integrated with Microsoft's security stack. This can impact the level of security and compliance required by the organization.

Finally, pricing is an essential factor in the decision-making process. AWS WorkSpaces offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, whereas Azure Virtual Desktop has a conditional free tier, with additional costs for extra Azure resources. This can impact the overall cost of ownership and return on investment.

Here is a comparison table of the key differences between AWS WorkSpaces and Azure Virtual Desktop:

Requires familiarity with Microsoft ecosystem; broader customizationPerformanceConsistent scaling; pay for what you useOptimized for Windows 10 and Microsoft 365SecurityBroad security certificationIntegrated with Microsoft’s security stackPricingPAY-as-you-goConditional free tier; additional costs for extra Azure resources

Amazon offers two basic cost models for its virtual desktops: hourly billing and a flat rate per desktop monthly billing. Hourly billing is ideal for light virtual desktop usage, while flat rate billing is better suited for heavy usage.

The actual virtual desktop cost can vary based on several factors, such as the region and the virtual desktop size. Amazon also offers a Bring Your Own License option for Windows virtual desktops.

Both Amazon and Microsoft provide cost calculators to help decision-makers estimate the overall cost. These calculators take into account various factors, including the number of planned virtual desktops and the hardware allocated to them.

Microsoft does not offer flat-rate billing, but it does offer various options to drive down costs, such as reservations and the Azure Savings Plan for Compute. This might make it a more predictable option for some organizations.

Amazon's AWS WorkSpaces may be the preferred option for organizations that value billing predictability over a low base price.