Unisys partnered with Sacramento State to design and deploy a secure, scalable Azure Virtual Desktop environment, delivering a smooth, cost-controlled transition that reduced risk and strengthened the university’s security posture. The solution centered on cloud-native AVD student labs, offering flexible, scalable desktops. This also included GPU-accelerated options for graphics-intensive coursework across disciplines from engineering to digital arts. Unisys implemented end-to-end automation with infrastructure-as-code (automated deployment templates), enabling rapid provisioning, consistent desktop image management and repeatable updates that would serve the university’s evolving needs.

 An Azure Landing Zone provides policy-based controls aligned with NIST and ISO standards, supporting governance and compliance from day one. Fully managed operations covering FinOps, SecOps, and CloudOps optimize spending, enhance security and promote ongoing reliability without burdening internal technology teams.

The AVD-powered student labs deliver virtual desktops and remote apps, giving students a secure way to work from almost anywhere. Students can now access specialized software for their majors from personal devices, eliminating the need for expensive, high-specification workstations.

Collaboration proved essential to success. The Unisys team worked closely with Sacramento State stakeholders to understand unique institutional needs, student demographics and operational constraints. This collaborative approach accelerated implementation, helped the university to meet its aggressive deadline and set a strong foundation for long-term strategic digital learning goals. 

Unisys effectively managed change throughout deployment, providing clear communication and building buy-in across campus departments. The team addressed technical challenges proactively, helping create a smooth transition that minimized disruption to students and faculty. 

The AVD-based student labs broadened access to coursework and specialized software for all learners. They eliminated location constraints, improved security, and enabled long-term laptop checkout programs, software purchases for all majors, flexible teaching modalities and broadband access. 

Students who once struggled to access specialized software due to hardware limitations, long commutes or busy schedules can now participate fully in their courses. This transformation particularly benefits students balancing work and family responsibilities, those with long commutes, and learners requiring flexible schedules. 

In addition to improving the student experience, Sacramento State realized significant operational benefits. The university reduced endpoint requirements, eliminating the need to purchase high-spec workstations for student use. Financial planning improved as the university transitioned from large capital purchases to predictable operating expenses, providing leaders with clearer control over long-term budgeting. 

The smaller physical lab footprint also freed valuable campus space for collaborative, active learning areas that encourage student engagement and peer interaction.

With a cloud-first environment that can scale with demand, Sacramento State has enhanced its ability to adapt quickly, remain flexible, and maintain continuity across various learning models. The university can respond rapidly to enrollment changes, new program demands and emerging technologies without significant infrastructure investments. 

Sacramento State now offers an inclusive, secure digital learning environment that expands online and hybrid possibilities, setting a foundation for sustainable growth.

The university’s success demonstrates how colleges can utilize cloud technology to advance equity, expand access, and enhance every student’s learning experience. As the university continues to expand its virtual lab offerings and student services, the scalable AVD infrastructure provides the flexibility and performance needed to meet evolving educational demands.