Empowering Transformation Through AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) Management and Cost Transparency

The cubesys and Nerdio Partnership

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and remote work solutions, partnerships often become the catalyst for growth and innovation. The collaboration between cubesys, a distinguished Microsoft partner, and Nerdio, a leading provider of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) management solutions, exemplifies the remarkable impact such synergy can have on the IT ecosystem. 

Introduction: The beginning of the partnership

The journey of this partnership began with a pivotal meeting. cubesys, a trusted Microsoft partner with expertise in M365 and Azure, entered a client presentation led by Nerdio. The focus of the presentation was Nerdio’s AVD management product. 

For cubesys, which already had a strong foothold in the Microsoft ecosystem, the cloud era brought a new challenge: the complexity of monthly cloud bills. These bills often proved challenging to dissect and allocate to different business units or cost centres. The meeting with Nerdio presented an opportunity to change the way cubesys engaged with businesses, especially regarding cost allocation. 

The conversation shifted from vague expenditure discussions to a detailed breakdown of costs based on per-user sessions. This new level of granularity would empower cubesys to help their clients understand who was using resources, for how long, and at what cost. It marked the beginning of a transformation in how cubesys interacted with its clients, allowing for more informed decision-making and cost-effective resource allocation.

The Expertise of cubesys: A Unique Perspective 

George Zajakoski, Senior Cloud Consultant at cubesys, brought his extensive background in remote computing, cloud computing, desktops, and applications to the partnership. With over 15 years of experience in these domains, including expertise in VMWare, Horizon, and Citrix, George had witnessed the evolution of technology solutions. 

Azure Virtual Desktop was a natural fit for cubesys. It eliminated the need for additional on-premises servers, gateways, and brokers. Most importantly, it simplified the deployment process for users already licensed for Azure Virtual Desktop. Before the introduction of Nerdio, however, managing AVD was challenging. Automation was complex and highly customised, tailored to each client’s specific needs. 

The Nerdio Advantage: Streamlined Management 

The pivotal moment came when cubesys discovered Nerdio. Nerdio’s AVD management platform offered a wealth of pre-built tools, including PowerShell scripts, runbooks, and automation capabilities, all neatly packaged within an intuitive graphical user interface. Nerdio’s platform simplified AVD management to a “set it and forget it” level of simplicity. It eliminated the need for complex configurations and adjustments, making life significantly easier for cubesys. 

The Partnership Takes Shape: Meeting Pandemic Challenges 

The cubesys-Nerdio partnership truly flourished during the pandemic. As organisations scrambled to establish remote work solutions, cubesys was at the forefront, leveraging AVD to enable thousands of government employees and large organisations to work from home. However, as the demand grew, the need for customisation and scalability became evident. 

During this time, a unique client scenario emerged. This client used both Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. When Windows 365 debuted, Nerdio promptly released official support for it. For this client, bridging the gap between these two platforms was crucial. Nerdio allowed them to consolidate both workloads into a single management platform, providing unified reporting, metrics, dashboards, and automation. This eliminated the need for staff retraining and simplified operations significantly. 

The Benefits of Partnership: A Winning Combination 

• The cubesys-Nerdio partnership brought numerous advantages: 
• Efficiency: Nerdio’s platform streamlined AVD management, allowing cubesys to deliver solutions quickly and accurately. 
• Automation: Pre-built scripts and automation tools reduced manual intervention, saving time and effort. 
• Scalability: The partnership handled rapid scaling efficiently, crucial during pandemic-induced remote work scenarios. 
• Unified Management: Consolidated workloads into a single management platform simplified operations and reduced complexity. 
• Cost Transparency: Cost allocation per user session empowered cubesys to have more meaningful conversations with clients about resource consumption and expenditure. 

The Role of CloudClarity: Enhancing Cost Transparency 

cubesys’s CloudClarity product played a pivotal role in enhancing cost transparency for AVD. It efficiently managed Azure tags, enabling cubesys to generate detailed cost reports on a per-user session basis. These reports provided meaningful data for cost allocation and business decision-making, revolutionising the way cubesys engaged with clients. 

Conclusion: A Transformative Partnership 

The cubesys and Nerdio partnership has transformed AVD management and cost transparency. By combining cubesys’s Microsoft expertise with Nerdio’s AVD management platform, they have empowered clients to navigate the challenges of remote work effortlessly. Together, they have made AVD management simpler, more efficient, and cost-effective, enabling organisations to thrive in the digital age. 

This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in the IT industry. As technology continues to evolve, cubesys and Nerdio stand united in their commitment to delivering outstanding solutions and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of remote work. The partnership is a testament to how two organisations can come together to create exceptional value for their clients and drive meaningful change in the IT ecosystem. 

The whole ethos of Nerdio is to add value and I’m so happy to be able to do and sell that to my clients and feel comfortable doing so.

Paul Heaton, CEO of cubesys