Mastering Azure Virtual Desktop: A practical guide to designing, implementing, and managing Azure Virtual Desktop environments

Master Azure Virtual Desktop with expert guidance from industry leaders and MVPs, and unlock its advanced capabilities for cloud virtualization and remote application delivery.

Key Features

• Learn how to design a strong architecture for your Azure Virtual Desktop
• Implement, monitor, and maintain a virtual desktop environment
• Gain insights into Azure Virtual Desktop and prepare successfully for the AZ-140 exam
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Acquire in-depth knowledge for designing, building, and supporting Azure Virtual Desktop environments with the updated second edition of Mastering Azure Virtual Desktop. With content aligned with exam objectives, this book will help you ace the Microsoft AZ-140 exam.

This book starts with an introduction to Azure Virtual Desktop before delving into the intricacies of planning and architecting its infrastructure. As you progress, you’ll learn about the implementation process, with an emphasis on best practices and effective strategies. You’ll explore key areas such as managing and controlling access, advanced monitoring with the new Azure Monitoring Agent, and advanced application deployment. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with essential features like the MSIX app attach, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. Beyond advancing your skills, this book is a crucial resource for those preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty certification.

By the end of this book, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the Azure Virtual Desktop environment, from design to implementation.

What you will learn

• Architect a robust Azure Virtual Desktop setup
• Master the essentials of networking and storage configurations
• Create and configure session host images and host pools
• Gain insights into controlling access and enhancing security
• Implement FSLogix profile containers and Cloud Cache for improved performance
• Discover MSIX app attach for efficient application delivery
• Understand strategies for business continuity and disaster recovery
• Monitor and manage the performance and health of your Azure Virtual Desktop environment

Who this book is for

Mastering Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive guide designed for IT professionals, modern workspace administrators, architects, and consultants looking to build and manage Azure Virtual Desktop environments. It's also an invaluable resource for individuals aiming to strengthen their cloud virtualization skills or prepare for the Microsoft AZ-140 certification exam.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Azure Virtual Desktop
2. Designing the Azure Virtual Desktop Architecture
3. Designing for User Identities and Profiles
4. Implementing and Managing Networking for Azure Virtual Desktop
5. Implementing and Managing Storage for Azure Virtual Desktop
6. Create Host Pools and Session Hosts
7. Configure Azure Virtual Desktop Host Pools
8. Entra ID Join for Azure Virtual Desktop
9. Creating and Managing Session Host Images
10. Managing Access
11. Managing Security
12. Implementing and Managing FSLogix
13. Configuring User Experience Settings
14. MSIX App Attach
15. Configuring Apps on a Session Host
16. Planning and Implementing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
17. Automating Azure Virtual Desktop Management Tasks
18. Monitoring and Managing Peformance and Health
19. Azure Virtual Desktop's Quickstart Feature
20. Final Assessment
21. Appendix

Ryan Mangan, with over 17 years in the tech industry, specializes in cloud and end-user computing. His deep understanding of end-user computing, virtual desktop products, applications, networks, and virtualization has earned him recognition as a Microsoft MVP and Parallels VIPP, and previously a VMware vExpert, a title held for over a decade. As a Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society and other industry titles, Ryan's professional dedication is evident. An author and speaker, he shares his knowledge, fostering growth in the community. In 2023, he established Efficient Ether, concentrating on cloud optimization, sustainability, and generative AI, demonstrating his commitment to advancing sustainable technology software solutions.

Neil McLoughlin boasts over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, with a dedicated focus on VDI, DaaS and end-user computing spanning the last decade. His commitment extends beyond professional realms, as he actively engages with the community, sharing insights and best practices in VDI and DaaS. Currently recognized as a Microsoft MVP, he plays a pivotal role in leading the EUC Forum User Group in the UK, organizing four in-person events annually. He also contributes significantly to the AVD Community newsletter, enriching its content on a weekly basis. Presently, Neil serves as a Principal Technical Account Manager at Nerdio, where he leverages his expertise to address intricate challenges within AVD and Windows 365 deployments.

Marcel Meurer is responsible for the professional IT services business unit at sepago GmbH – a Proact comapny – in Cologne. His technical focus is Microsoft Azure platform services, and he has been a Microsoft Azure MVP since 2016. Since 2021, he has also been running ITProCloud, a Germany-based company that builds solutions to manage Microsoft Azure services. ITProCloud shares knowledge and tools like WVDAdmin and Hydra with customers and the community. In 1995, he started studying electrical engineering. Machine learning and neural networks were some of his favorite topics during his studies. He graduated as an electrical engineer from the University of Applied Science Aachen.