Desktop Virtualization

Desktop Virtualization

We’ve been hearing it for a few years now, but many predict THIS will be the year desktop virtualization takes over the world. (Literally? Figuratively? Who knows – but it will be awesome?!)

While it’s been a hot topic, many people aren’t sure what desktop virtualization is all about. According to PCMAG.COM’s Encyclopedia, the definition of desktop virtualization is:

A thin client architecture in which each user’s desktop, which includes the operating system and applications, runs in a separated “virtual machine” partition in a server on the network. Commonly called “virtual desktop infrastructure” (VDI), the desktop is delivered over the network in real time to the user’s PC, which functions only as an input/output (I/O) terminal. The data processing is performed in the server.

(https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=desktop+virtualization&i=55453,00.asp)

That seems great. But who should be using this, and why? What are the not-so-awesome aspects of desktop virtualization? Are there any different “flavors” of desktop virtualization? According to CIO magazine (www.cio.com), there are five: Remote Hosted Desktops, Remote Virtual Applications, Remote Hosted Dedicated Virtual Desktops, Local Virtual Applications, and Local Virtual OS. One “flavor” isn’t better than another; it just depends on which scenario is best for a particular company. And each has their own pros and cons. Take a look at this article for a deeper look into the topic:

https://www.cio.com/article/504348/Desktop_Virtualization_5_Most_Popular_Flavors_Explained

There are a few reasons in general as to why many in IT are excited about Desktop Virtualization: simplified desktop and application management, reduced costs (application deployment, overall cost of the product is decreasing, etc.), easier access to deployment in remote or branch offices, and allowing a customer to access their data from multiple devices while maintaining company compliance and corporate security. There are a few negatives, such as reliance on a connection to a corporate or public network, difficulty in running some complex applications (multimedia, etc.), and increased downtime in the event of network failures.

VMWare offers many desktop solutions.

To learn more, visit: https://www.vmware.com/solutions/desktop/

-Erika Larson, PEI