Commonly known as VDI. It is a type of Desktop Virtualization technology. In this, a desktop (Operating System preferably -Windows) is hosted on a centralized server either on cloud or Datacenter (where all the processing is performed) and is accessed over a network to an endpoint. An endpoint can be anything like PC, Laptop, Mobile, Tablet, thin-client systems, etc. Linux VDI’s are also an option.
Types of VDI’s:
- Persistent VDI:
It resembles a personal computer where a user connects to the same desktop every time and a user can customize their desktop according to the needs. All the changes are kept saved for future use even after a connection is reset. These are popular in those scenarios where end users are the same, like in work and school environments, etc.
2. Non-Persistent VDI:
As the word Non-Persistent states nothing is saved for future use and as soon as the connection is reset all the data is lost and no customizations carry to the next session. In short these revert to original states when a user logs out. These are popular in those scenarios where end users are more in number, like large organizations, Kiosk, Public library, etc.
Benefits of VDI’s:
There are several benefits of VDI’s but we will look at a few of them:
- Cost Savings: Cost plays an important role since all the processing is performed on the host server hence hardware requirements for end-user devices are much lower.
- Security: Since all the data resides on the central server which is secured if the end-user device is stolen there is no risk to the organization’s data.
- Ease of access: Since end, users can connect to VDI’s using any device like mobile, PC, laptop, etc. The ease of access is increased and employees can access all their data from anywhere in the world.
- Centralized Management: All the VDI’s can be managed using the central console i.e. all the maintenance tasks (patching, the configuration of software, etc.) are carried easily.
Citrix, VMware, and Microsoft are the main players in the market which provide VDI’s. The VDI market is dominated by Citrix’s VDI product “Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops” followed by “VMware Horizon” and then Microsoft “RDS” (Remote Desktop Services).