AZ-140 Configuring & Operating MS Azure Virtual Desktop AVD

Based on the comprehensive list of tasks and considerations you've outlined, here's a structured approach to implementing and managing an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) solution:

Initial Planning Phase

1. Assess Requirements:

   • Understand the business and technical requirements for the deployment.
   • Determine the scope of the deployment (pilot, phased rollout, full deployment).

2. Design Architecture:

   • Define resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups that align with organizational policies and segregation of duties.
   • Choose an appropriate OS for AVD based on application compatibility and licensing considerations.
   • Plan a host pools architecture that meets performance, scalability, and security requirements.

3. Licensing:

   • Recommend a licensing model (per user/per device) that aligns with the organization's needs and budget.

4. Identity Management:

   • Decide on an identity management solution (AD DS, Azure AD DS, or Azure AD).
   • Plan for integration with Azure AD, including multifactor authentication and Conditional Access policies.

Implementation Phase

5. Set Up Host Pools and Session Hosts:

   • Create host pools and session hosts using the Azure portal or through automation (PowerShell, ARM Templates, Bicep).
   • Configure settings for host pools and session hosts, including applying licenses to session hosts.

6. Session Host Images:

   • Create a golden image either manually or by using Azure VM Image Builder.
   • Plan lifecycle management for images, including updates for OS and applications.
   • Store the images efficiently, considering cost and accessibility.

7. Security Implementation:

   • Use Microsoft Defender for Cloud to monitor security posture.
   • Configure antivirus solutions like Microsoft Defender Antivirus on session hosts.
   • Set up network security and just-in-time (JIT) administrative access with Azure Bastion.

8. User Experience Configuration:

   • Choose and deploy the AVD client suitable for your environment.
   • Configure user settings, including printing, device redirection, session timeouts, and Start Virtual Machine on Connect features.

9. Application Deployment:

   • Determine the method for app deployment (MSIX app attach, direct installation, etc.).
   • Create application groups and publish applications as RemoteApps.
   • Assign users to application groups and manage OneDrive, Teams, Apps & Browsers within AVD multisessions.

Post-Implementation Phase

10. Monitoring and Management:

    • Set up log collection and analysis for session hosts.
    • Configure Azure Monitor for real-time monitoring of AVD services.
    • Use Azure Monitor workbooks, Azure Advisor, and implement autoscaling in host pools to optimize performance and cost.

11. Business Continuity Planning:

    • Recommend an update strategy for the session hosts agent.
    • Plan for Disaster Recovery.
    • Design a backup strategy for AVD environment.

12. Maintenance:

    • Regularly review and optimize your AVD deployment.
    • Implement best practices in terms of performance, security, cost management, and compliance with organizational standards.

Cleanup

13. Environment Cleanup:
    • Remove any resources that are no longer needed once the deployment is stable and fully operational.
    • Documentation: Ensure all documentation is updated and maintained for future reference.
    • Cost Optimization: Review and adjust cost configurations to optimize expenses, considering both short-term and long-term perspectives.
    • Environment Reconfiguration: If necessary, reconfigure the AVD environment to align with evolving business requirements.

Ongoing Tasks

14. Update Strategy for Session Host Agents:

    • Establish a regular schedule for applying updates and patches to session hosts agents.

15. Regular Monitoring and Auditing:

    • Continuously monitor the performance, security posture, and cost of your AVD deployment.

16. Continuous Improvement (CCI):

    • Regularly review, assess, plan, execute, and monitor the performance and outcomes of your AVD deployment to identify areas for improvement. By following this structured approach, you can ensure a smooth implementation and successful management of Azure Virtual Desktop services.