Azure Virtual Desktop ‘ARM’ based solutions have been around since late 2020 and are the default methodology used in AVD today. As of September 2023, no new AVD Classic deployments have been deployed. Microsoft plan to end support for AVD Classic in September 2026.
All Lucidity AVD solutions are based on the modern ARM based methodology, and we partner with Nerdio Manager for MSP to deliver scalable AVD solutions to SME as well as enterprise and government clients using Nerdio Manager for Enterprise.
This article takes you through some of the differences between Azure Virtual Desktop Classic vs ARM.
Wait a minute, what is ARM? – Azure Resource Manager (ARM) is the deployment and management service for Azure. It provides a management layer that enables you to create, update, and delete resources in your Azure account. You use management features, like access control, locks, and tags, to secure and organize your resources after deployment.
Azure Virtual Desktop Classic vs ARM
Azure Virtual Desktop Classic (non-ARM)
- Management GUI not integrated to Azure Portal
- Dedicated PowerShell Module
- Limited regional service locations
Azure Virtual Desktop Classic (v2 / ARM-based)
- Managed in the Azure Portal
- Managed by AZ PowerShell module
- Azure AD group integration
- Improved ARM integrated logging and monitoring leveraging Log Analytics
- Improved session troubleshooting
- Azure Role-based Access Control (RBAC)
- Managed RDP settings such as clipboard or drive redirection in the Azure Portal
- Support for Microsoft Endpoint Manager / Intune
