Desktop virtualization
Desktop virtualization is a technique that allows you to separate an individual's PC
applications from his or her desktop, which is also known as called client
virtualization. Instead of hosting on the hard drive of the personal computer, a
remote central server is used to host virtualized desktops. On a single, central server,
it offers users the benefit of maintaining their individual desktop. With the help of
LAN, WAN, on the Internet, the users may be connected to the central server.
Furthermore, it allows users to access their desktop from any location by remotely
connection.
VDI is a common method of desktop virtualization, which stands for Virtual Desktop
Interface or Infrastructure). With the help of hardware and software, this type of
desktop virtualization is enabled; hence, it uses the server computing model. In a
virtual machine (VM), VDI hosts the desktop environment, which runs on a remote or
centralized server. Desktop virtualization offers multiple advantages, including
centralized management, increased security, a lower total cost of ownership, reduced
downtime and energy costs. It also has some disadvantages, such as, it increased
downtime in case of network failures. Also, difficulty in the maintenance and set up
of printer drivers, and there are security risks in the event of improper network
management and costs involved in VDI deployment.
Desktop as a service (DaaS)
Desktop as a service is a cloud computing where VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure)
is outsourced to a third-party provider. DaaS functionality depends upon the virtual
desktop that is a dedicated machine or a user-controlled session, which transforms
cloud services for organizations and users all over the world. It is a best model that
allows service provider to manage all the back-end responsibilities offered by
application software. The storage, network resources and all other necessary support
infrastructure are also living in the cloud.
DaaS offers features for laptops, desktops, handheld units, thin clients, as well as the
management of various kinds of computer resources. DaaS uses remote execution or
distributed execution on the basis of implementation type. DaaS used by
organizations and enterprises as they require high levels of performance and
availability, which is a cost-effective alternative to conventional IT solutions. DaaS
have multiple advantages, which are as follows:
o Reliability
o Data security
o Personalization
o Increased performance
o Minimized complexity
o Disaster recovery
o Easy platform migration
o Uninterrupted connectivity
o Total cost reduction
Persistent VDI: With this type of VDI, users connect to the same desktop each
type, personalization of the desktop could be done by users according to their
needs, and changes are saved even after the reset of connection. In simple words,
using desktops in persistent VDI is the same as using a personal physical desktop.
Nonpersistent VDI: As the name itself suggests, it is completely opposite to
persistent VDI, where users are connected to generic desktops and changes they
make are not saved. Persistent VDI is simpler and cheaper, with no need for
customized desktops between sessions. Large organizations use this kind of VDI
whit a lot of task workers. This is also helpful to users who are doing limited tasks
repetitively, they don't need a customized desktop.
Why prefer VDI?
VDI is preferred due to its numerous advantages, such as user mobility, ease of
access, flexibility, and greater security. In past years, it was expensive because of its
high-performance requirements. So its deployment was a challenge for legacy
systems which lead to a barrier for many businesses. However, the scenario changed
when it got slowly replaced with hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), HCI provides
scalability and high performance at a lower cast.
What are the benefits of VDI?
Due to its complexity, VDI is not preferred by every organization, it offers numerous
benefits to organizations that do use it. A few of the benefits are:
o Remote access:
o Cost savings:
o Security:
o Centralized management:
