Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is defined as the hosting of desktop environments on a central server. It is a form of desktop virtualization, as the specific desktop images run within virtual machines (VMs) and are delivered to end clients over a network. Those endpoints may be PCs or other devices, like tablets or thin client terminals.

How does VDI work?

Mosf of VDI deployments have the following characteristics:

• The virtual desktops live within VMs on a centralized server
• Each virtual desktop includes an operating system image, typically Microsoft Windows.
• The VMs are host-based, meaning multiple instances of them can housed on the same server within the data center.
• End clients must be constantly connected to the centrally managed server in order to maintain access to the virtualized desktops it’s hosting.
• The VDI implementation’s connection broker finds a virtual desktop within the resource pool for each client to connect to upon its successful access of the VDI environment.
• Meanwhile, a hypervisor creates, runs and manages the various host machine VMs that encapsulate the individual virtual desktop environments.

What are the benefits and limitations of VDI?

VDI supports enhanced user mobility and remote access, as a standardized desktop can be reached from almost any approved and compatible endpoint in any location. For workers who are frequently on the go and need to pull up a virtual desktop containing a full range of virtual apps and data, VDI is like having an office available on-demand. In that regard, it fits right into their digital workspace workflows that already feature similar, regular consumption of cloud, web and mobile apps across multiple contexts, especially if it’s persistent VDI.

Cost savings and lower hardware requirements

Beyond benefits for end users, VDI technology can also be a strong cost-saving measure for IT:

• Because the lion’s share of processing in VDI is server-based, relatively expensive or cutting-edge hardware is not needed
• VDI access can instead take place from an inexpensive thin client, which might be an old PC that has been repurposed for the task and thereby had its lifespan extended
• That saves IT the need to make as many new purchases or major adjustments to its budget

Improved security and centralization

On the security front, VDI offers some improvement over running an OS and everything on it locally. All of the data from a VDI connection lives on the server, not the end client, meaning that if the endpoint is ever stolen, there’s nothing to exfiltrate from its local storage. Moreover, the VDI environment is fully and centrally controlled from a data center. Administrators can apply software patches and updates, change configurations and enforce policies for all virtual desktops across the deployment. In this way, VDI allows for fine-tuned control and secure isolation of OS images from a central server, which is a less complicated setup that managing laptops running their OS locally.

Security and performance considerations

At the same time, security cannot be taken for granted with VDI. The OS images have to be properly managed and updated, and end client authentication must be rigorous. Digital workspace solutions can help in this regard via SSO, improved endpoint security and encryption for data in transit.

What are the use cases for VDI?

VDI is an important technology for many types of workers across numerous industries. Remote and mobile employees, contractors, kiosk and task workers, field technicians, medical professionals, teachers and many others regularly rely on VDI to access a reliable virtual desktop from one or more locations. Thanks to the versatility of VDI across its different deployment types, VDI technology can work equally well as a way for users to have access to standard, nonpersistent desktop or to turn their virtual desktop into a highly personalized digital workspace.

How does ET Tech Limited help with VDI?

ET Tech is offering a diverse portfolio of desktop virtualization solutions serving organizations of all sizes and kinds. ET Tech Virtual Apps and Desktops makes VDI intuitive and affordable and ensures that users have access to the apps they need to remain productive within today’s digital workspaces. Alongside ET Tec Limited customized for your Workspace, it can ensure the best possible VDI experience within the context of complex multi-device, multi-app workflows. That Workspace gives employees comprehensive and secure access to everything they need to stay productive from anywhere.