Virtual Desktop Infrastructure: What You Need to Know Before Making the Switch
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, is an internet-based hosted desktop service. Currently, over a third of businesses already use some level of a virtual desktop within their organisation, with a further third predicted to make the switch to the infrastructure within the next three years.
A Quick Background
Typically, in an office environment, there are multiple computers. Traditionally this would mean IT technicians would have to attend to every machine in order to install new software or make maintenance checks, etc. – a process that is long-winded, money-wasting and time-consuming. With advancements in technology, virtual desktops are now available. The VDI merges the traditional functions of an office computer with the mobility, scalability and cost effectiveness of the cloud by separating the desktop operating systems, applications and data from the hardware. A remote server is used to create a virtual machine that simulates the user’s desktop environment and capabilities. This simply means that instead of dealing with several machines, you only have to manage one main entity, which will automatically change all of the others.
Five Important Things You Need to Know About VDI
If you’re one of the businesses that is on the brink of making the switch to VDI, or are just curious about streamlining your set up, here are five things you need to know about making the move.
1. VDI is accessible from anywhere, from any device.
With a virtual desktop, you can access your office desktop from any device from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. Perfect for business trips or that must-do work whilst on holiday, it removes the need to cart around your laptop devices. It also makes the user experience a much more personal one as you can access your work from your phone or tablet. It couldn’t be any easier or hassle-free.
2. You can personalize the solution.
A lot of business are sceptical as they unknowingly think that VDI will be a generic set up that may suit one person within the business but not be relevant to others. With a virtual desktop infrastructure, you have the capability to grant specific users access to only certain apps. This means that you can personalize it for individual workers within the business, allowing you to set up user profiles to suit their unique needs or those of their departments. What’s perfect is that you can manage all of them simply from one central control point.
3. VDI is capable of handling complexity.
The beautiful thing about technology is that it means that you no longer have to keep things simple. The advancements in networks and the intelligence of VDI itself means that you can run anything from accounting software, to Microsoft Office, to production software. It allows you to run the most graphically concentrated apps known to new business as a way of getting your work done from a virtual outlet. With its increased storage capabilities, you will often find you can get more from implementing VDI as there is no need to cut anything down just so machines can handle it.
[Tweet “#Bizowners, are you making the switch to #VDI? Here’s what you need to know.”]4. You must plan ahead.
Before entering into any contract with a VDI provider you need to find out what will work best for your company. It is important to evaluate your workers’ needs in order to tailor the infrastructure accordingly. Negotiate an audit with a provider to find out what apps you use or will look to use in the future. That way they can suggest how your company can get the most out of VDI and then you can get a tailored package that works best for you.
5. VDI can drastically reduce your costs.
A virtual desktop changes a business’ IT cost structure. As mentioned, instead of paying for separate devices that hold individual software and information, you can offload all of the data into a data centre. Therefore, you will only need to pay for what you need when you actually need it, rather than having constant costs. The benefit of this is that desktops can be managed and supported centrally, which massively reduces costs related to maintaining singular machines.
The Top Ten Benefits of VDI
- Increased access from a number of devices
- Employees can work from anywhere
- Transforms traditional businesses to be more efficient and effective
- Easier Maintenance and Support
- Flexibility
- Increased Data Security
- Reduced IT Costs
- Increased Productivity
- Improved support for remote/mobile users
- Centralized backup of information
Times are changing and technology is taking over, whether you chose to embrace it or not. Take advantage of a virtual desktop and make the switch to save huge amounts of time and money. If you haven’t already incorporated the cloud into your company, then you’re already behind.
With several years of journalism experience, Veronica delves deep into the world of technology. Covering the latest trends, she tackles the hot buzz areas that are causing a stir.