by Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a desktop virtualization technology that hosts desktop operating systems on centralized servers in a data center rather than individual clients. With VDI, a virtual desktop is assigned to each user, providing them with full access to applications, data and computing resources remotely over a network connection.
How VDI Works
At a basic level, VDI works by separating the desktop environment and associated applications from the client device. When a user logs in, their desktop environment is loaded from the data center servers instead of their local hard drive. They are then able to interact with this virtual desktop as if it were running locally on their PC, laptop or thin client.
Behind the scenes, virtualization software like VMware Horizon or Citrix XenDesktop runs the operating system and applications on a centralized host server. The server then streams the audio, video, mouse clicks and keystrokes back and forth between the user’s device and their Virtual Desktop Infrastructure over the network connection. Specialized protocols optimize the transmission of display information.
Benefits for End Users
By centralizing desktops on secure server infrastructure, VDI provides several advantages for individual end users:
Access Anywhere on Any Device
With their desktop environment hosted in the data center, users can access it from anywhere using any internet-connected device. This includes traditional PCs and laptops as well as thin clients, tablets, smartphones and more.
Consistent User Experience
The virtual desktop remains the same regardless of the access device. Users get full access to their personalized desktop environment, applications, data and settings anytime, anywhere. There is no need to adapt to different devices or operating systems.
Streamlined Collaboration
Centralized virtual desktops facilitate easier collaboration. Users can access shared files, folders, applications and desktops to work together on projects from any location.
Increased Security
By running endpoints virtually rather than locally, VDI shields sensitive data and applications from loss or theft. It also prevents malware and malicious attacks from infecting physical devices. Virtual machines can simply be rolled back to a snapshot in case of issues.
Reliability and Uptime
System failures, data loss or application errors impacting a local device no longer disrupt work. User environments in the data center remain available as long as servers and network connections are functional. Downtime is dramatically reduced.
Staying Productive on Old Hardware
VDI enables users to leverage the full processing power of servers even with older, underpowered client devices. Aging PCs and laptops feel instantly revived thanks to the graphics and computing resources hosted in the data center.
Easy Access to Applications
With virtual desktops, all required applications can be published to users in a unified interface. They install and maintain applications just once on central servers rather than on every endpoint, simplifying provisioning and management.
Flexible Scaling and Replacement
Adding or removing users is as simple as provisioning or deleting virtual machines on demand. Their specific environments can also be easily migrated to new devices when replacements are needed.
Benefits for IT Departments
In addition to end user benefits, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) brings tangible advantages to internal IT teams tasked with deploying, securing and maintaining desktop infrastructure:
Simplified management
Centralizing desktops on servers allows IT to administer hundreds or thousands of virtual machines from a single console rather than individual PCs. Deploying applications, installing patches, and troubleshooting issues are vastly streamlined operations.
Easy Scaling
Scaling up or down to accommodate changes in workforce requirements can be done effortlessly by adding or re-purposing server capacity. VDI does not suffer from the scaling limitations of physical hardware.
Control and Security
IT maintains complete control and visibility over virtual desktop configurations and operations. Granular security policies are enforced across the infrastructure, protecting sensitive data from theft or unauthorized changes to virtual machines. Guest intrusions remain isolated within VMs.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
When factoring in reduced hardware, support, and facilities costs – as well as gains from better resource utilization – VDI delivers ongoing savings versus physical desktops over the long term. Optimization further trims expenditures.
Increased Reliability and Uptime
Servers hosting VDI are engineered for continuous availability. The redundancy and fault tolerance built into server infrastructure translates to far fewer disruptions for end users. Downtime becomes a rarity rather than an unfortunate reality.
Easier Disaster Recovery
Essential user environments remain safely stored in the data center rather than on individual devices prone to localized outages. Spinning up replacement virtual machines allows users to quickly resume work from disaster situations.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) takes desktop virtualization to the next level by centralizing full virtual desktop experiences for end users. It delivers numerous advantages for both individual productivity as well as the IT operations responsible for desktop infrastructure. When implemented effectively, VDI creates a more cost-efficient, secure and manageable desktop environment for any organization.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
