Completing the Transition to Azure Virtual Desktop in Laurier Computer Labs

​We are excited to announce some enhancements to Laurier's computer labs, as part of ICT's new computer lab strategy.

In our ongoing efforts to provide a seamless and advanced computing experience, we will be completing the transition from AppsAnywhere to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) for software provisioning in computer labs across Laurier.

The transition from AppsAnywhere to AVD will take place on April 30, 2024. After this date, computer labs will no longer have AppsAnywhere available. Students and faculty will be required to use AVD to access software and applications.

Key objectives behind switching to AVD include:

• Enhancing User Experience – AVD features an improved and user-friendly interface, ensuring a smoother user experience for students and faculty.
• Increasing Accessibility – AVD allows software and applications to be readily available to users from any location, allowing for a more flexible and adaptive learning environment.
• Streamlining Software Management – The transition will streamline software management, allowing for more efficient updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting, resulting in reduced downtimes and increased productivity.

Key benefits of using AVD include:

• Ease of Access – All you need to access AVD is a web browser and Wi-Fi, no VPN required!
• Seamless Updates – Experience hassle-free, automatic software updates and maintenance, which give you access to the latest features and improvements.
• Enhanced Performance – AVD offers superior performance, ensuring a faster and more responsive computing experience.
• Cost Efficiency and Sustainability – By adopting a more economical hardware thin client solution in the computer labs. Thin clients save on power usage contributing to sustainability and have a longer hardware life cycle