Desktop Virtualization is separating the Desktop environment from the Physical machine using a client–server model. The results are a "virtualized" desktop on a remote server.
This allows users to access their desktops on any capable device, such as the traditional personal computer or notebook computer, netbook, smartphone, iPad or thin client. Virtual desktop infrastructure, sometimes referred to as virtual desktop interface (VDI) is the server computing model enabling desktop virtualization. Basic Lesson in VDI 101.
On another note, did you know that you can also get hosted virtual desktops from desktop virtualization services provided through an outsourced hosted subscription model. Just Google “hosted vdi service” and you will get lots of results you can check out.
The outsourced model will normally include a managed desktop client operating-system configuration. Security could be physical through a local storage-area network or virtual through data-center policies. Transferring your infrastructure to an outsourced model can shift accounting for the associated costs. ( Disclaimer: check with your own Accounting Experts) LOL, sorry, had to put that in there!
Now according to Gartner, hosted services accounted for more than 500,000 desktop units as of March 2009, but will grow to 49 million desktop units by 2013, and may make up as much as 40% of the worldwide "professional PC market" by revenue.{1}
Below I have listed the pros and cons to VDI. Network connectivity is a big issue with VDI. Make sure your infrastructure is well tested before deploying VDI’s. But when you really think about it, network connectivity is a big issue anyway in today’s mobile environment whether you have deployed VDI or not.
PROS: Good End User experience, Scalability, Performance, Cost Savings, Efficiency, Images easy to update and maintain, Longer refresh cycles for your hardware.
CONS: Learning Curve, End User training, IT Staff Training, Maintaining drivers for printers and other peripherals, Reliance on connectivity to corporate or public network.
The most important thing you want to think about is Security. This could be a Pro or a Con, depending on how well you did your research, implementation and whether not you are maintaining the security of your virtual machines with an ongoing plan for updates to all of them.
Many of your OEM's have introduced VDI Packages. We can explore some of those on my next post.
Have you implemented VDI in your environment? Leave me a comment and share some of your experiences with us.
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References:
1. http://www.cio.com/article/487109/Hosted_Virtual_Desktop_Market_to_Cross_65_Billion_in_2013/.
