A virtual desktop is a desktop that is not physically hosted on the device on which it is used. In other words, the desktop is hosted on a central server and is accessed remotely by users. This allows, its users to always have access to all their information and workspace virtually, regardless of the location they’re in and the device they are using.
In practice, it is the same as working at a desktop hosted on a physical computer. The only difference is that almost all processes are carried out remotely and centrally in a primary server.
In its first stages, virtual office tools required a central server and private infrastructure. However, thanks to the cloud, corporate access to the benefits of virtual offices has now become more democratic and is available to everyone.
How Does a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Work?
In VDIs, there is a hypervisor that divides the various servers into virtual machines. These, in turn, host virtual desktops that users can access remotely from any device. Thus, to be able to access from any device or location, all the processing is done from a host server. The way users connect to their desktops is through a connection agent. A type of software that serves as a gateway, acting as a mediator between the user and the server.
A VDI can be divided into two types: Persistent or Non-Persistent. Each offers several advantages:
- Through a Persistent VDI, users always connect to the same desktop and have the ability to customize it according to their needs, because the changes made will be saved even after restarting the connection. In other words, a desktop in a persistent VDI environment behaves like a physical personal computer.
- On the contrary, Non-Persistent VDI is one in which users log in to shared desktops and changes are not saved, that is, every change made in this type of virtual desktop will be removed after restarting the connection having always a default desktop.
Working with virtual desktops has many business benefits. These range from improving the flexibility and security of the network to reducing costs or simply implementing updates easily.
6 Benefits of Implementing a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Cloud (Cloud VDI)
1. Reduction of costs in terms of support, infrastructure and hardware as well as in new implementations or updates. Having a centralized infrastructure that can be accessed remotely reduces business costs in many areas.
Support staff can resolve issues virtually, without having to travel.
The hardware and infrastructure requirements of these types of desktops are significantly reduced.
Besides, the implementation of software and operating system updates or new applications are carried out in a virtual and centralized way, without the need to carry them out individually on each one of the devices.
2. High scalability and flexibility: The market is increasingly demanding both speeds to meet peak demand and flexibility to accommodate moments of reduced workloads. That way, having a virtual desktop infrastructure centrally hosted, allows to easily increase the number of desktops in case of need, and immediately.
3. More storage space: While the capacity of the cloud is not infinite, it is close to being so. With virtual desktop technology, each user will have access to much more storage space for applications and files than can be found on the physical hard drive of their device. This is especially important if you are working with mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, which often do not have large storage capacities, but it is very useful in any case since all the information can be accessed from any device and/or location.
4. Strengthening of information security: Working with a remote virtual desktop means that the data is no longer on the device but stored in the cloud. Therefore, in case of failure, theft or cyberattack against a physical device, the information is protected and backed up by one or more backup copies in the cloud.
5. Greater productivity and flexibility for employees: Personal workspaces are always available, regardless of the employee's location or the access device they are using. This allows them to seamlessly keep up with their work pace while traveling, commuting, or staying at home if necessary.
6. Protect business continuity: Data is backed up in the cloud and the entire virtual desktop infrastructure is remotely accessible. This way, no matter what kind of problem the businesses are challenged with, companies reduce the chances of business interruption to almost zero risk.
COMMENTS