Post acquisition integration can be complex and filled with challenges. Consolidating data and networks, unifying communication, and optimizing workflows all require strategic planning and phased integration. Many of these challenges can be avoided using virtual desktop solutions, such as Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and working with an experienced systems integrator in the post acquisition integration process.
Common Post Acquisition Integration IT Challenges
Overcoming the challenges inherent in the post acquisition integration process are key to minimizing disruptions and streamlining processes.
Common challenges include:
- Data consolidation and migration
- Integration of business applications and workflows
- Restructuring network infrastructure and resources
- Eliminating redundancies
- Addressing security and compliance risks
- Optimizing processes and workflow
AVD solutions can help streamline the consolidation of disparate systems and tech stacks by consolidating them into a single solution to address these challenges. With seamless integration to other Microsoft tools like Microsoft 365 and Teams, Azure Virtual Desktop can overlay your systems for a unified solution for merged entities.
Azure Virtual Desktop for Mergers & Acquisitions
With AVD, organizations can consolidate their IT environments, ensuring seamless access to applications and a smooth transition for all employees involved.
Assessing Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) for Post Acquisition Integration
AVD enables faster and more secure data migration and consolidation by deploying a unified virtual desktop. Business data can be rapidly migrated to the cloud while legacy apps are integrated using AVD’s app virtualization functionality, simplifying security and compliance.
AVD for Data and Application Integration
AVD simplifies the process of building a scalable virtual infrastructure across locations and resources. By harmonizing critical applications and workflows, AVD acts as a common fabric, a centralized platform enabling hosting and accessing of applications regardless of the device or operating system. Employees can also work seamlessly, wherever they are, regardless of where data and apps reside.
During mergers and acquisitions, you can quickly build infrastructure, enhance security, and centralize management and control of diverse systems.
AVD Infrastructure and Network Integration
The scalable AVD infrastructure supports integration needs by providing a management plan to rapidly provision new virtual desktops across the infrastructure, leveraging acquired servers, storage, and assets to create a unified architecture.
Virtual desktops can be deployed locally or in Azure regions to manage compliance or preferences. You can also use Azure ExpressRoute to connect an on-premises network with the AVD virtual infrastructure for total network control while bypassing the public internet.
AVD automatically manages network performance and latency, using Quality of Service (QoS) tagging and queue prioritization to optimize traffic flows for sessions. You can also optimize the AVD golden image to fine-tune any AVD instances, creating optimal settings that are applied to all provisioned virtual desktops, including group policies.
AVD for Unified Communication and Collaboration
AVD tools enable real-time collaboration across your merged enterprise with unified messaging and communication channels. Shared workspaces, voice, and video foster better enterprise collaboration.
By bringing all of your team members onto a consolidated platform, you can improve communication and keep everyone connected regardless of whether they are working at your central office, branch locations, or remotely.
Security and Privacy Considerations with AVD Solutions
Microsoft deploys defense-in-depth security across multiple layers. AVD’s security configurations include encryption at rest by default and leverages Azure AD for user authentication, multi-factor authentication, and conditional access policies.
During integration, you will need to implement strict data governance and access policies to secure data, address privacy concerns, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
AVD and Post Acquisition Process Optimization
Azure Virtual Desktop is a flexible solution, allowing you to start integration and scale up or down as needed. This makes it easier to phase integration across merged entities in stages. Because of the flexible architecture and ease of scaling, capacity can be adjusted dynamically.
Autoscaling and load balancing automatically maintain system performance and reduce costs by using only the resources that are needed while allowing rapid scaling as business demands evolve. For example, autoscaling can autonomously increase or decrease capacity based on time of day, days of the week, or as demand changes.
Future-proofing IT Integration with AVD Solutions
In the M&A IT integration planning, you want to accommodate current needs while creating a pathway for future-proofing your IT solutions as your business grows. AVD provides the agility to optimize process and align strategies for long-term business goals.
Virtual desktops allow you to create a single, unified network rather than managing separate domains for each computer. This makes management and control easier while also allowing employees across your company to communicate within a unified network.
Post Acquisition Integration Simplified with Azure Virtual Desktop
You can significantly simplify your post acquisition integration with Azure Virtual Desktop. Its unified management plan, scale infrastructure, and secure access capabilities make AVD an ideal platform to streamline IT consolidation (and modernization) during mergers and acquisitions.
Yorktel is a certified Microsoft partner and offers comprehensive solutions to help you manage your M&A consolidation with customized solutions that fit your business.
Contact Yorktel today to simplify your M&A IT integration with Azure Virtual Desktop solutions.