High-performance computing (HPC) can be a serious drain on resources. Think about software like Autodesk or file transfer programs for massive projects — they’re practically made for big, powerful machines with equally hefty price tags. A typical architecture firm might spend $15,000 to $20,000 annually on software and technology alone, before factoring in ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
The rise of remote work hasn’t made things easier either — latency, security concerns, hardware failures, and working across locations all pile up quickly for companies that depend on HPC. That’s where Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) comes in.
Why Choose Azure Virtual Desktop?
AVD offers flexibility through its extensive catalog of virtual systems and cost-effective pricing options. Here’s how it helps SMBs overcome the challenges of remote HPC.
Say Goodbye to Lag
If you’ve worked remotely, you’ve felt the sting of poor latency — the frustrating delay between clicking a button and seeing the response. Backed by Microsoft’s vast global network and bandwidth, AVD ensures fast, reliable connectivity as long as you have a stable internet connection, no matter where you’re located.
Endless Flexibility
AVD scales with your business. If an employee leaves, remove their virtual system. Need specific specs for a project? Switch virtual desktops in moments. Want to work across multiple systems at once? Stream two or more virtual desktops simultaneously, right from your home computer. Azure also keeps its virtual systems fully updated, so outdated software never slows you down.
Security and Compliance Made Simple
Allowing remote work increases the risk of cyberattacks — unmanaged personal devices can become infected and create vulnerabilities that spread across your network. Moving to AVD puts your organization behind Microsoft’s secure, centralized servers, backed by a team of 3,500+ cybersecurity experts. AVD’s centralized system also simplifies regulatory compliance, with visibility tools that make it easy to demonstrate compliance at a moment’s notice.
Cut Costs, Not Performance
AVD offers access to powerful systems without the hefty upfront costs, with flexible pricing to match your needs and budget:
- Subscription plans — monthly or yearly payments that spread the expense of high-performance computing into manageable, predictable costs.
- Pay-as-you-go — pay only for the hours you use, no long-term commitment. Ideal for part-time workers or project-based needs.
System Options Worth Knowing
- Compute-optimized systems — designed for maximum performance handling heavy workloads, especially useful in finance and healthcare where real-time data analysis is routine.
- GPU series — for engineers, designers, and video editors, with configurations ranging from a single GPU to eight, supporting demanding software like AutoCAD, Maya, and Adobe Premiere.
- Memory-optimized systems — high-RAM systems built for large-scale data analytics.
- Virtual servers — deployable anywhere, whether you need a database server, an application server, or something else entirely.
For a full breakdown of systems, specs, and pricing, see Azure’s pricing page.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
High-performance computing costs continue to rise, and the challenges of remote work are only growing. If you’re feeling the weight of these demands, it may be time to explore Azure Virtual Desktop.
CelereTech has guided hundreds of clients through the process of going virtual, and we’re ready to help you make the leap. Reach out today.
