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.