One of the biggest challenges that IT companies face today is centralizing all their solutions in a new technology model. Application and desktop virtualization, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), public and private cloud, and VDI are some few models that have been revolutionizing the way IT companies operate.
This post provides a brief introduction to VDI – Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and how it can help your business:
What is VDI?
VDI aims to distribute and execute desktop sessions to the user from a centralized infrastructure that can be either in a cloud system or on-premises. By hiring a VDI service provider, you can have a typical VDI setup installed in no time that will include a central server or a farm of servers where the virtual machines are created for the users.
How can it help your business?
- Flexibility – Through VDI, users will be able to access their desktop from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection. It offers flexibility to the users to work even with limited time or access. Examples include having several people assigned temporarily to work at different times, for projects that require a quick setup or run only for a short time period, working with a third-party site that gives limited access, etc.
- Compatibility and access – Since VDI sens only basic input and output data, it is possible to access it on any device including single-board computers, tablets, mobiles, standard home machines, or Chromebooks. This way, you can access the software that isn’t usually available to you. Examples include using VDI for accessing Windows-based software on Mac.
- Collaboration – Through VDI, all the workload is moved to a centralized location so that users can collaborate across multiple sites. This is especially useful for working on large file applications like the ones used in remote sites or within an architectural design where devices and access are limited.
- Security – As mentioned before, VDI sends only basic input and output data. So, sensitive customer and company data don’t leave the VDI environment making the platform inherently secure. Apart from this, it also contains the standard security models such as restricted access, sandboxing, anti-virus, etc.
- Management – When it comes to managing physical machines, it can be a headache as there is a multitude of system models and hardware requirements to consider. But, with VDI, you can package up specific applications that can be accessed by the users individually as if they have been installed on the local desktop. So, there is no need to worry about system or hardware models.
- Costs – To assess the costs associated with VDI, you need to think carefully about every area that it is involved with. However, if you have a true ROI (Return on Investment) model, it will show you that through VDI, you will be able to reduce expenditure on energy costs, client devices, and staff costs. This money can be spent in other business areas.
- Performance – Since VDI servers are close to the data source, they have higher bandwidth available. Also, they have a bigger pool of resources that can help get improved performance. The basis of the VDI model is that not all users need 100% of their allocated resources all the time. So, it balances usage and offers an improved experience to all the users.
If you are planning to set up the VDI model in your organization, it is best to hire a VDI service provider that can put together designs, plans, and budgets that fit your business requirements. Make sure that you test the waters before making a large commitment.
