Plans & Pricing
STANDARD
$3
per user / month
NEW!
PREMIUM
$7
per user / month
*User is defined as an active AVD user that logged in at least once during the month OR a user with provisioned Cloud PC.
AVD COST & PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION
STANDARD
NEW!
PREMIUM
VM Power Management
Start VMs when users need them and stop them automatically when no longer in use. VM power management reduces Azure compute costs up to 75%.
VM Just-In-Time Create/Delete (Burst)
Create new session host VMs on-the-fly, as needed, without keeping many VMs created and consuming storage costs by the OS disks. Newly created VMs are always fresh and based on the pristine image state. Add scripted actions to customize the VM provisioning process. When the VMs are now longer needed they can be automatically removed from the environment. A mix of “base capacity” (always created VMs) and “burst capacity” (just-in-time VMs) optimizes costs and user experience.
Scheduled & Event-Driven Scaling
Start, stop, create, or delete session host VMs based on several auto-scale algorithms that take into account actual usage (e.g. CPU, current active sessions) and/or do so on a schedule to pre-stage capacity in expectation of users logging in.
Multiple Scaling Algorithms (CPU, RAM, Average & Available Sessions, User-Driven)
Balance between cost savings and end-user experience by setting one of three scale in aggressiveness levels that controls the type of hosts can be scaled in (stopped or removed). High aggressiveness provides the highest savings and will forcefully disconnect even active users after end of work hours. Medium will stop host with disconnected sessions. Low aggressiveness will only stop or remove hosts that has no user sessions.
3 Scale-In Aggressiveness Levels (High, Medium, & Low)
Balance between cost savings and end-user experience by setting one of three scale in aggressiveness levels that controls the type of hosts can be scaled in (stopped or removed). High aggressiveness provides the highest savings and will forcefully disconnect even active users after end of work hours. Medium will stop host with disconnected sessions. Low aggressiveness will only stop or remove hosts that has no user sessions.
Multiple Auto-Scale Schedules Per Host Pool
Create multiple auto-scale pre-stage settings to ramp up host pool capacity during certain days of week and times of days. In education environments multiple schedules can be used to turn on VMs based on a pre-defined class schedule.
VDI Host Pools (Single-User Pooled VMs) Auto-Scaling
Provide users with non-persistent, single-user pooled desktops that are used exclusively by a single user during the session then returned to the pool, optionally refreshed/re-imaged, and made available to others. This VDI host pool configuration provides significant savings as compared to permanently-assigned personal desktops.
Spot VM Instances
Save up to 90% on Azure VM compute costs while testing an AVD deployment by creating session hosts as Spot VMs. Not to be used in production scenarios as VMs can be unexpectedly “evicted”. Easily convert VMs from spot to pay-as-you-go and back to spot VMs with this scripted action.
Reserved Instances Analytics For Auto-Scale
Save up to additional 60% on the cost of Azure compute by using Reserved Instances in combination with auto-scaling. Nerdio Manager will analyze prior auto-scale behavior and recommend quantity of CPU core reservations to purchase to take advantage of RI savings.
Auto-Deallocate User Stopped VMs
Host VMs shut down from inside Windows are in a stopped, but not deallocated, state and continue to generate Azure compute costs. Nerdio Manager can automatically detect VMs in this state and deallocate them proactively.
VM OS Disk Auto-Convert To Lower Storage Tier On Power Off
Define “running” OS disk storage type (e.g. Premium or Standard SSD) and “stopped” OS disk storage type (e.g. Standard HDD). Auto-scale will change the OS disk to cheaper storage when it stopped and automatically change it to a more performance storage type when the VM is started. This results in up to 75% in OS disk storage savings when the VM is not running.
Ephemeral OS Disks
Save on OS disk storage costs and increase performance with Ephemeral OS disks that can be used for AVD session host VMs. Ephemeral OS disks are free and are stored on the Azure physical host’s local storage and are therefore faster.
VM OS Disk Shrink To 64 GB And 32 GB
Reduce the size of an image VM’s OS disk from the default 128GB to 64GB (or 32GB). This reduces storage costs for session host VMs by requiring a smaller disk and allows for use of smaller VMs with ephemeral OS disks.
Azure Files Schedule, Free Space, & Latency-Based Scaling
Ensure high performance of Azure Files at the lowest possible cost. The performance characteristics of Azure Files Premium are determined by the provisioned capacity quota. Storage auto-scale increases capacity quota in response to increased storage latency (or on a schedule), and decreases it when the extra performance is no longer needed to save on costs.
FSLogix Profile Compression
Shrink FSLogix VHD(X) by removing the “white space” from inside the profile container. This dramatically reduces FSLogix storage costs.
Windows 10 & 11 Optimization For Higher User Density
Automatically run Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Windows 11 virtual desktop optimization tool on session host VMs as they are created. This results in drastically improved performance and increased user-per-CPU density, which reduces total Azure compute costs.
Auto-Scaling In Multi-Tenant And Cross-Cloud AVD Deployments
Reduce Azure compute and storage costs in complex cross-sovereign Cloud and multi-AAD tenant deployments.
Multiple Trigger Auto-Scale
Configure host pools to scale in and out based on up to 3 usage criteria. Auto-scale triggers can be CPU+RAM, CPU+RAM+Sessions, CPU+Sessions, or RAM+sessions. Host pool capacity will increase (scale out) when ANY of the scale out triggers are true and will decrease (scale in) when ALL scale in triggers are true.
Azure NetApp Files Schedule, Free Space, & Latency-Based Scaling
Ensure high performance of Azure NetApp Files at the lowest possible cost. The performance of an Azure NetApp Files volume is determined by the volume size, regardless of capacity actually used. Storage auto-scale increases the volume size during times of peak demand (e.g. log-on and log-off storms) and decreases it automatically when the extra boost in performance is no longer needed. This is done based on a schedule and/or in response to elevated IO latency. Storage auto-scale also automatically grows volume (and capacity pool) size when capacity reaches a pre-defined threshold ensuring that it never runs out of space.
Log Analytics Workspace Storage Usage Optimization
Log Analytics is used by Azure Monitor AVD Insights (and other monitoring solutions like Sepago) to collect and store diagnostic data. The size and cost of Log Analytics can quickly grow and make up a large component of the overall AVD cost. Azure Log Analytics pricing is complex and depends on ingestion rate, retention period, performance counters collected, and sampling frequency. Nerdio Manager analyzes all these dimensions and makes recommendations on how to best optimize Log Analytics costs.
Recommendation Engine (Coming Soon)
Recommendation engine for optimizing usage of Azure resources and Nerdio Manager.
Azure Virtual Desktop Management
STANDARD
NEW!
PREMIUM
Deploy New Or Manage Existing AVD Environment
Create a brand new Azure Virtual Desktop environment or allow Nerdio Manager to discover an existing deployment, connecting to existing resources, and manage them.
Wizard-Driven AVD Deployment In Under 2 Hours
Deploy Nerdio Manager from Azure Marketplace and configure a new AVD environment with an easy to follow, step-by-step configuration wizard. The first group of users can access their AVD desktop in less than two hours.
Automatic, Scripted AVD Deployment
Service providers, system integrators, and consultants can leverage Nerdio Manager’s scripted AVD deployment template. Create complete environments with desktop images, host pools, and auto-scaling in minutes.
Multiple Region, Subscription, Network & Resource Group AVD Deployments
Create and manage AVD environments that span Azure regions and subscriptions. Quickly link Vnets and resource groups and manage AVD deployments world-wide from unified portal.
Management Of Workspaces, Host Pools, App Groups, Remoteapps & Custom RDP Settings (AVD ARM And Classic)
Administer every aspect of AVD with Nerdio Manager including workspaces, host pools, application groups, RemoteApp publishing, RDP properties, session time limits, FSLogix, and much, much more. Every Azure service that AVD relies on can be managed with Nerdio Manager.
Complete Session Host Lifecycle Management (Create, Delete, Start, Stop, Restart, Resize, Re-Image, Drain Mode, Run Script)
Deploy and manage AVD session host VMs. Hosts can be created manually or with auto-scaling, deleted on-demand or on a schedule, re-imaged to apply updates, run a scripted action, resized, put into or taken out of drain mode, and more.
User Sessions (Search, Shadow/Control, Log Off/Disconnect, Message)
Manage user sessions across the entire AVD environment, within a workspace, host pool or on a single host. Monitor session status, disconnect or log off the user, shadow or remote control to provide support, or send user an on-screen message.
End-User Self-Service Portal (Start, Stop, Log Off, Disconnect, Resize*, Re-Image*)
End users have the ability to log into Nerdio Manager with their Azure AD credentials and manage their own session, restart their desktop VM, or start a session host if none are started in a host pool. (*Ability to resize and re-image own desktop is coming soon.)
Azure Files Management (Create, Azure AD Join, Close File Locks, Permissions, Quota)
Create, link, and manage Azure Files shares including AD domain join. Synchronize Azure Files permissions with host pools, configure quotas, and enable SMB multi-channel. Manage file lock handles and configure Azure Files auto-scaling to increase quota as needed.
Fslogix Configuration Profiles (Cloud Cache And Azure Blob Support)
FSLogix configuration can be complex and overwhelming, but not with Nerdio Manager. Create one or more FSLogix profiles with all the needed options, point at one or more Azure Files, Azure NetApp Files, or server locations and select from VHDLocations, Cloud Cache and Azure Blob storage modes.
Directory Configuration Profiles (Azure AD, Active Directory, Azure AD DS)
Multiple identity source profiles can be set up and used automatically on different host pools. Active Directory, Azure AD DS, and Native Azure AD are all supported. Choose the appropriate directory profile when adding a host pool and all VMs will automatically join this directory when being created.
Host Pool Cloning
Create a copy of a host pool with all of its settings: auto-scale config, app groups and RemoteApps, MSIX AppAttach, user/group assignments, VM deployment settings, etc. Save time by creating host pool “templates” that can be cloned to any Workspace, Azure region or subscription instead of starting from scratch.
Session Time Limits (Active, Idle, Disconnected, Remoteapp)
Apply user session time limits at host pool level. Automatically log off disconnected sessions, limit the duration of idle sessions, control empty RemoteApp session behavior and more.
Assign And Un-Assign Users To Personal Desktops
Assign Azure AD users to personal desktops to ensure the user will log into a pre-configured VM. Un-assign personal desktops from users who leave the organization and re-use these VMs for new users.
Automatic Custom Azure Tagging Of All Resources
Pre-configure custom Azure tags for all Azure resources associated with each host pool. Tags can be used for charge-back and cost allocation by host pool.
Automatic GPU Driver Installation
When creating session hosts using NV-series VMs NVIDIA and AMD GPU drivers are automatically installed.
AVD Classic To AVD ARM Migration
Move existing host pools from Fall 2019 (Classic) object model to Spring 2020 (ARM) object model. Choose to whether to move or copy user assignments. Existing session hosts are automatically migrated or new ones can be created in the ARM host pool.
Automatic Performance & Utilization Monitoring Configuration
Automatically enable and configure AVD integration with Azure Monitor. Zero configuration required. Azure Monitor Insights for AVD can be used instead of or in conjunction with Sepago Monitor.
Split-Azure AD Tenant AVD Deployments
Link multiple Azure tenants under the same Nerdio Manager instance and manage AVD deployments that span Azure AD tenants. User identities and session host VMs can run in separate tenants for maximum flexibility and security.
Cross-Sovereign Azure Cloud AVD Deployments (Azure Global, US Government, Azure China)
Deploy and manage AVD environments that span across sovereign Azure Clouds. Cross-sovereign cloud support allows identity (e.g. users and groups) to be in one Azure Cloud, while session host VMs are in another Azure Cloud.
On-Premises Deployment With Azure Stack HCI
Deploy Azure Virtual Desktop in Azure and extend the session host VM placement to on-premises networks using Azure Stack HCI. Nerdio Manager automates deployment of session hosts, AVD agent installation, and full integration into the AVD deployment in Azure. Leverage “burst-to-cloud” capabilities to add session host VMs in Azure once on-premises capacity is consumed.
Azure NetApp Files Management (Create, Join AD, Link/Unlink)
Create, link, and manage Azure NetApp Files accounts, capacity pools and volumes. Configure provisioned volume size, monitor usage, and use auto-scaling to automatically adjust volume and capacity pool size to accommodate the needed capacity and latency requirements.
Teradici PCoIP Integration
Automatically deploy Teradici CAM and install PCoIP agent as pooled and personal VMs are created.
WINDOWS 365 ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
STANDARD
NEW!
PREMIUM
Cloud PC Enterprise Environment Preparation (On-Premises Network, Provisioning Policies, & User Settings)
Extend existing AVD environments with Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs. Nerdio Manager automatically creates the necessary network connections, images, and provisioning policies based on the current AVD configuration. It can also be used to deploy Windows 365 even if there is no existing AVD deployment.
Cloud PC Device Lifecycle Management (Restart, Re-Provision, Resize, End Grace Period, Run Script)
Manage all aspects of Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs. Restart, re-provision from image, resize to a larger VM size based on available licenses, end grace period when Cloud PC is no longer needed, and run any Powershell script on one or more Cloud PCs.
Cloud PC User Group Assignment
Create and manage Cloud PC provisioning policy and assign user security groups to policies to begin the provisioning process for licensed users.
Intune Primary User Management On Cloud PCs
Automatically detect if a provisioned Cloud PC does not have an assigned Intune primary user. Alert administrator and allow for one-click primary user assignment.
AVD & Windows 365 Image Sharing
Leverage existing AVD images to create Cloud PC deployments. Image updates are automatically applied to AVD and Cloud PC environments using these shared images.
AVD & Windows 365 Scripted Actions Sharing
Scripted actions are shared between AVD and Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PC environments. Scripts that install apps, apply optimizations, or anything else that can be scripted with Powershell can be applied to both AVD session hosts and Cloud PCs.
Windows 365 License Auto-Assignment
Avoid purchasing too many Windows 365 licenses for users who will not log into the Cloud PC. Authorize users to access a Cloud PC and allow Nerdio Manager to automatically assign a Windows 365 license when the user actually logs in for the first time. Save up to 40% in unused license costs.
Windows 365 Unused License Reclamation
Reclaim unused Windows 365 licenses from users who are no longer using their Cloud PC for a pre-defined period of time. Users may leave the organization or change their work habits to no longer use a Cloud PC. Reclaimed licenses can be used for other users or cancelled.
Windows 365 Inactive User License Parking
Cloud PCs are not used 24/7 since users are actively connected to their Cloud PC only 40-50 hours per week. Park a user’s Cloud PC license while the user is not connected and use a less expensive, “parking” license instead. When user connects back into the Cloud PC the original license is re-assigned. This reduces the total number of needed licenses and can save up to 25% on monthly license costs.
ORCHESTRATION & INTEGRATION
STANDARD
NEW!
PREMIUM
Windows Scripts & Azure Runbooks Scripted Actions Library
Scripted actions provide limitless flexibility in AVD deployments. Windows scripts can be used to execute any set of Powershell commands on VMs are created, started, stopped, remove, or re-imaged. This can be used to deploy applications, security software, optimizations, and much more. Azure runbooks can be used to configure and maintain the Azure environment on the outside of the VM. Many triggers are available including VM or AVD host create, start, stop, delete, image create, schedule, run-once, and more.
GitHub Integration With Scripted Actions
Synchronize scripted actions with public and/or private GitHub repositories. Use your favorite tools, like Visual Studio Code, to edit and maintain scripted actions with all of the power of GitHub workflows, versioning, and so much more. Scripted actions are automatically synchronized with GitHub repositories and any changes take effect immediately without any configuration changes made in Nerdio Manager.
Run Scripts On Hosts (VM Create/Delete/Start/Stop, Host Register)
Windows scripts and Azure runbooks can be executed automatically with security context maintained by Nerdio Manager during VM create, delete, start stop, and AVD host register operations.
Run Scripts On Host Pool (On-Demand & Scheduled)
Windows scripts and Azure runbooks can be executed on all hosts within a host pool either on demand or on a schedule with recurrence.
Run Scripts On Image VMs (On-Demand & Scheduled)
Automatically install software on newly created desktop images or maintain existing images with regular updates using Scripted Actions.
Run Scripts On Image Capture (On-Demand & Scheduled)
Execute Scripted Actions on desktop images while packaging the VM into an image object. These scripts do not impact the original image VM but only apply to the resulting image. For example, SCCM agent can be uninstalled from the image but remain on the image VM where it is used to update and install software.
Schedule Any Host VM Action
Leverage powerful scheduling capability to schedule any session host actions such as start, stop, add, delete, re-image, resize, activate, deactivate, run script, and more.
Run Scripts On Session Host Auto-Heal (Coming Soon)
Run scripted actions as part of auto-heal remediation. Nerdio Manager watches for session host issues and can execute an automated remediation sequence to resolve the problem. Restarting, executing scripts, or even removing and completely rebuilding the host VM.
Health Check Probe For Third-Party Tool Monitoring
Get status of Nerdio Manager, SQL DB, Azure and AVD access via an unauthenticated URL. Can be used by monitoring tools to check environment health.
Secure Data Sharing With Scripted Actions (E.G. Credentials)
Define global variables that can be used by any scripted action. Variables are encrypted and stored securely in Azure Key Vault.
Third-Party Integrations (AV & Security Apps)
Nerdio Manager provides built-in integrations for popular desktop virtualization tools such as Teradici PCoIP, security and AV tools like Sophos, and much more.
REST API
Leverage the power of Nerdio Manager automation by integrating with existing ITSM platforms (e.g. ServiceNow). Add and re-image hosts, create or update desktop images, control user sessions and much more.
Azure Devops Integration With Scripted Actions
Synchronize scripted actions with Azure DevOps. Use your favorite tools, like Visual Studio Code, to edit and maintain scripted actions with all of the power of Azure DevOps workflows, versioning, and much more. Scripted actions are automatically synchronized with Azure DevOps repositories and any changes take effect immediately without any configuration changes made in Nerdio Manager.
IMAGE MANAGEMENT
STANDARD
NEW!
PREMIUM
Automatically Re-Image Hosts In Host Pool On A Recurring Schedule
Schedule a recurring update to desktop images and automatically re-image host pools on a pre-defined schedule. System and application updates can be automatically applied after-hours without manual intervention.
Retain Host VM Name And IP During Re-Image
When session host VMs are re-imaged, the VM name, AD computer object, IP address and DNS host name remain the same. No need to update other systems when re-imaging host VMs since they appear identical to external systems before and after the re-image process.
Image Update Change Log And Reporting
Before “sealing” the image (i.e. running “set as image” task) document any changes that were made. A report can be generated to show these changes and who made them.