Publish an application as a RemoteApp

In the world of cloud computing, Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) has emerged as a powerful solution, providing virtualized desktop and application delivery to enable remote work scenarios. As an exam candidate configuring and operating AVD, one essential task is publishing an application as a RemoteApp. In this article, we will explore how to accomplish this task using the knowledge from Microsoft documentation.

1. Prepare the application

To publish an application as a RemoteApp, it needs to be hosted on a Virtual Machine (VM) or a container in Azure. Ensure that the application is installed and configured correctly on the VM or container. It should also be tested to verify that it functions as expected.

2. Create an image

To publish an application, you need to create an image of the VM or container that hosts it. Azure offers various ways to capture an image, such as Azure Image Builder, Azure CLI, or PowerShell. Choose the method that suits your requirements and follow the guidelines to create an image. Make sure the image includes the operating system and the application you want to publish.

3. Create a RemoteApp group

In the Azure portal, navigate to Azure Virtual Desktop and select the RemoteApp groups option. Click on “Add” to create a new RemoteApp group. Provide a unique name and description for the group. Select the workspace where you want to publish the RemoteApp.

4. Add an application

In the newly created RemoteApp group, select the “Applications” tab. Click on “Add” to add an application. Choose the option to deploy a RemoteApp template as this simplifies the process. Select the image you created in the previous step and provide a name for the application. Configure additional settings like command-line arguments or working directory if necessary.

5. Configure scaling and session hosts

To ensure efficient usage and scalability, you can configure scaling options for the RemoteApp group. The scaling options determine the number of session hosts available to handle user connections. You can choose automatic scaling, where Azure dynamically adjusts the number of session hosts based on demand, or manual scaling, where you define the number of session hosts.

6. Set user access

By default, users granted access to the Azure Virtual Desktop workspace have access to the RemoteApp group. You can control user access by adding or removing users or groups from the RemoteApp group. This allows you to restrict access to specific applications based on user roles or requirements.

7. Validate and test the RemoteApp

Before allowing users to access the RemoteApp, it is crucial to validate and test its functionality. Connect to the Azure Virtual Desktop workspace as a user with access to the RemoteApp group. Launch the RemoteApp and verify that the application starts correctly and performs as expected. This step ensures that users will have a seamless experience when they access the published application.

In conclusion, publishing an application as a RemoteApp on Azure Virtual Desktop requires a few essential steps. By preparing the application, creating an image, configuring a RemoteApp group, adding the application, setting up scaling and session hosts, and managing user access, you can successfully publish an application as a RemoteApp. Remember to validate and test the RemoteApp to ensure a seamless user experience. With Azure Virtual Desktop, businesses can empower their workforce with remote access to applications, enabling productivity from any location.