Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, refers to the process of running a user desktop inside a virtual machine that lives on a server in the datacenter. It’s a powerful form of desktop virtualization because it enables fully personalized desktops for each user with all the security and simplicity of centralized management.
VDI enables clients to streamline management and costs by consolidating and centralizing the desktops while delivering end-users mobility and the freedom to access virtual desktops anytime, from anywhere, on any device. It’s important to understand, however, that VDI is only one form of desktop virtualization.
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For many years, VDI has struggled to take off in corporate America. Typically, the failure of these environments can be traced back to the end user’s experience. Either the environment was undersized and scoped due to a lack of understanding of the user’s day-to-day applications and demand on their existing PC’s. Or, the VDI environments were oversized for the users and, thus, it didn’t provide a scalable solution that was cost-effective.
Proper sizing is key for a successful VDI deployment. Key metrics such as CPU, memory, disk, and network utilization are common sizing metrics. However, other metrics that are commonly overlooked, such as application, peripheral, and graphic usage, are also very important to the proper sizing of a VDI environment.
Without a holistic approach to sizing the environment, your user’s experience could be sub-par and ultimately inhibit a successful VDI deployment. Tailor your VDI solution to meet variable needs.
Because Millennials are now the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, data mobility and availability are no longer nice to have, they are downright expected. This newer workforce believes that data should be available at all times and anywhere.
Speed is a factor as well: downtime and inconsistencies in user experience are much less tolerated for these newer users. If a company is not able to provide a platform capable of speed, mobility, and little downtime, it will likely struggle to maintain agility in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Virtual desktops allow users to work from any place in the world. Whether it be a hotel business center in Rome, a local coffee shop near the office, or 30,000 feet in the air, VDI provides the platform that is consistent and available in all of these locations.
Along with increased data mobility comes the increased need for data security. VDI is a great fit for data security-conscious businesses because the desktop can no longer be lost or stolen.
When the desktop is hosted in the data center, there is greater control of the data and intellectual property of the business. Data is forced to be centralized within the datacenter and with that, data security practices can be met much more ease. VDI and mobility is a powerful platform that should be considered for the new-age of conducting business.
Get in touch with a cStor expert to assist you in creating a VDI solution that expands to meet your growing needs. Visit our website for more information.
