Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Explained

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, is an IT infrastructure option that removes the need for buying, operating, and maintaining countless individual PCs in an office space. VDI was first developed in 2006 and has matured since that time to become a viable option to replace end-user computing platforms such as the client-server computing model.

What is VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure? How Does it Work?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is a virtualization technology that hosts desktop operating systems like Windows, data, and software such as Windows apps on a centralized server in a data center. This virtualized platform allows each user to access virtual desktops from any device, from laptops and tablets to mobile devices and thin clients. VDI applications build single desktop images that are deployed to individual users and the data is centrally managed. While thick client solutions pose security, manageability, and cost problems, VDI secures applications and software on a network with controlled access provided through remote virtual desktops.

In order for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to work, there are two main components that must be present: a hypervisor and connection broker. The hypervisor is a VDI software program that is installed on the host machine in a data center to create and runs virtual machines on that host machine. It is the role of the hypervisor to separate hardware on the host machine into multiple virtual machines. Each of those virtual machines is assigned a unique operating system, configuration, and apps. The hypervisor then creates virtual desktop instances in the virtual machines, with those instances available to the user as an individual desktop.

The connection broker is a software program that serves as the go-between for the user and the resources on the platform. This software validates user names and helps manage the on-demand access to virtual machines, virtual clients, terminal services servers, and other devices from any place that has an Internet connection. The connection broker also monitors the activity levels on the network, provisions virtual desktops, assigns the user role, and works to manage the computing resources.

What are the Different Types of VDI?

There are two primary versions of VDI platforms: persistent and non-persistent. Persistent solutions boast virtualized desktops with a unique desktop image for each user that can be customized and saved for future use. This type of VDI is very similar to a traditional physical desktop. Non-persistent VDI solutions offer up a collection of identical desktops that users can access on an as-needed basis. In this type of VDI environment, the desktops revert to the original state after each user signs out.

These versions of VDI can be deployed in one of three main environments:

Desktop-based VDI: In this case, VDI consists of a desktop running in a virtual machine hosted on a server in a data center.
Server-based VDI: This type of VDI features a desktop running in a server with an operating system available to just one user at a time as a Remote PC.
Session-based VDI: The third option is an individual session running inside a server operating system on either a virtual machine or a physical server.

Why Use Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software?

VDI offers a number of benefits that make this software platform worth consideration. Among the greatest benefits to this virtualization approach is the cost savings it provides. Because VDI creates a virtual desktop, typically one running Windows applications, and is managed in a data center, companies can avoid costly capital expenditures on IT infrastructure. The desktop images are delivered over a network to the endpoint device, be that a traditional PC or mobile device.

As a result of this, companies save resources with little actual computing taking place on the endpoint device, companies can extend the lifespan of aging PCs by using those devices as VDI clients. When new endpoint devices are required, organizations don’t have to buy the most powerful technology and machines to continue running VDI software.

Security is another critical reason to consider VDI software. The storage, management, and security of sensitive data are all handled on a centralized server in the data center rather than an endpoint device. If an employee loses a device or has a laptop stolen, the thief has no way of access any data. That is because there is no data stored on the stolen device and no means of accessing the network.

Additionally, remote and mobile workers enjoy better access to a technology environment that includes Windows applications that are the backbone of most business operations. Lastly, in the case of non-persistent solutions, VDI offers management benefits. The IT team has fewer master images to maintain and provide security for, making management easier compared to dealing with individual desktops for each user.

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What is a Terminal Server?

A terminal server is a hardware device critical to the creation of the virtualized environment in VDI. It provides terminals like PCs and mobile devices with a common connection point to a local or wide area network. With a terminal server setup, all users accessing the network via endpoint devices are sharing the same set of resources. As such, one user could be taking up a significant portion of the resources, leaving less computing power available to other users as they connect. A 1-to-1 VDI setup doesn’t have this problem as resources are devoted to each individual user.

Most terminal servers feature a Windows operating system configured for multiple user sessions. Each of those sessions renders a unique user interface for each session, improving the user experience in the virtualized environment.

What is the Difference Between Citrix and VDI?

Citrix and VDI are compatible, but different technology solutions. Citrix is, first and foremost, a terminal server VDI platform in which all users share the same set of computing resources. Citrix Virtual Apps is an application delivery solution providing access to Windows-based apps on any device that has a Citrix Receiver. Citrix itself offers desktop virtualization, servers, and apps, with Citrix Virtual Apps standing as an SaaS product. SaaS apps are offered in many VDI computing solutions. VDI, on the other hand, is a technology infrastructure that consists of a desktop running on a server in a data center that offers system resources, apps, data storage, and support to multiple users over a secure network.

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How Do You Add the Desktops in Virtual Servers?

Virtual desktops are created on the network by mirroring a master desktop for each user. This can be done through full cloning wherein cloned desktops function independently and use separate disk space, or through linked cloning which creates a virtual version of the master desktop linked to other desktops. Server disk space is saved with this approach and user data is stored separately.

How Can Containerization Help with Project Speed and Efficiency?

Containerization provisions virtual resources more quickly and efficiently than virtual machines. A container shares a piece of a cloned operating system with other containers, requiring less effort to set up than a virtual machine. Through containerization, entire microservice applications can be housed individually and delivered quickly. Each container can host different functions that combine to create an agile technology environment.

How Can VDI Help Optimize the Performance of Your Business?

VDI helps boost the performance of any business in much the same way that other virtualized technology solutions do. With VDI, companies focus fewer resources on the management, support, and security of IT infrastructure. Routine installations and upgrades happen without user involvement within the business, keeping apps running smoothly without hiccups. Additionally, with remote servers handling the heavy lifting in computing, the increased IT power on the client end enables applications to run faster with reduced latency. Response times improve, productivity jumps, and savings are realized in the long term.

How Can VDI Enhance the Productivity of Employees?

VDI boosts employee productivity in a number of ways. Because virtual desktops provide access to company resources 24/7/365, a user can connect to the data, applications, and Windows apps from any device at any time. This means the user can troubleshoot issues whether on vacation or home sick, or even connect during the morning commute on public transit to keep tabs on projects and check for issues.

Can VDI Completely Transform Your Business?

VDI can revolutionize the way a company works by streamlining its operations, making IT management easier, and transforming it into a more agile beast. With virtual desktops, resources, data, apps, security, and support are handled in a centralized location and the user is free to focus on primary objectives. When the need for resources grows, VDI solutions enable companies to quickly add support and access to more users. User management is simplified, mobility and flexibility within the workforce are increased, and output among remote workers is enhanced. Most importantly, with 1-to-1 VDI platforms, each employee has the computing resources they need when they need it.

How Long Will This be the Case?

VDI is an emerging trend in businesses around the world. Virtualized environments such as this enhance everything from the individual user experience to security, data storage, and data management. While VDI isn’t an ideal solution in every business setting, its growing popularity in a variety of business settings and niches makes it the perfect tool for greater flexibility, lower operational costs, and greater employee productivity.

Having Trouble Choosing the Right NMS for Your Network?

It can be difficult to select the right NMS for your VDI network. NMS is a term for software programs that help manage and monitor networks, and it is often referred to as either Network Management Software or Network Monitoring Software. As you go about researching and selecting NMS solutions, consider the following:

Scope: Is the solution required in a single location or multiple sites? Will it monitor servers and all other network devices?
Connectivity and Scalability: Your network won’t remain the same forever, can your NMS evolve with it?
Deployment: If you need tighter control, on-premise may be the best, while cloud deployment offers greater cost controls.
Alerts: Intelligent alerting quickly ensures key employees such as network administrators and IT staff are notified by any suspicious activity on the network.

Overall, you want an NMS solution that improves network reliability, assists with capacity planning, tracks activity trends across the network, and streamlines the troubleshooting process when issues arise.

What are You Waiting for?

Now’s the time to take advantage of the advancements in VDI technology. Our CompleteCloud solution offers a 1-to-1 VDI environment that delivers a dedicated virtual machine to each employee in your business. This allows each user to be customized with individual desktop images and access to software, applications, and a reliable operating system, like Windows, from anywhere. This is all possible while giving administrators greater IT management abilities, such as the power to set permissions for user access and overseeing the security of data in a centralized server location. Best of all, the 1-to-1 setup ensures that no employee hogs bandwidth and uses up all the computing resources as is possible in a terminal server solutions. CompleteCloud is an advanced VDI solution that offers the most flexibility for businesses.

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