Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): Types and Benefits

As work-from-home options and hybrid cloud ecosystems become more widespread, especially after COVID-19,  there are significant shifts taking place in the workplace. It is now challenging to manage the manageability, security, and infrastructure needs necessary to keep a firm operating because of the spread of personnel and surroundings.

 

Virtualization is a relatively newer, but rapidly advancing concept in the world of technology. From there comes the concept of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or VDI. It is a type of desktop virtualization where the VDI software host a virtual desktop environment on a central server, that users can access remotely.

 

Let us look at the likes of this new technology and understand its importance for the evolving work environment.

 

Also Read | 10 Types of Virtualization in Cloud Computing

 

What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?

 

We all have heard of cloud computing, and how it helps in hosting different software applications (popularly known as SAAS). VDI software delivers and administers virtual desktops that are hosted on-premises or in the cloud. These desktops don't use desktop hardware; instead, they operate on virtual machines that are housed on servers in a data center. This makes it possible for remote users to work without any miscommunication or hassle.

 

The remote user receives a "virtual picture" of the local user's desktop across the network, enabling the user to access the desktop image as if it were being accessed locally. Users may get on with their work and launch programs as soon as they have access to the virtual desktops.

 

Businesses utilize VDI software to view desktop images on their own devices or business devices while ensuring data security, updating enterprise software tools, and exploiting current computer resources without raising expenditures. When it comes to infrastructure as a service (IaaS) providers, virtual tools provided by host servers are frequently the important component (most commonly desktop infrastructures). Any extra business software that a team or organization needs may also be launched or integrated using VDI technologies.

 

How does VDI work?

 

The hypervisor and the connection broker are two of a VDI architecture's primary data center components.

 

The data center server's logical operating system and physical hardware are separated by the hypervisor to support numerous virtual desktops on a single physical server. The software gateway that links each desktop user to their unique desktop instance is called a connection broker. No matter what endpoint device is being used, this layer authenticates every user.

 

Desktop usage patterns are typically less predictable than many other data center workloads, and virtual desktop resource contention can be difficult to forecast. In the past, the architecture for implementing a VDI solution in a company has been linked to a certain PoD of hardware that includes computing, network, and storage components designed to support a specific number of virtual desktops.

 

To prevent desktop workload variations from interfering with other workloads in the data center, this PoD (a dedicated number of hosts linked to a committed storage device) was set apart from the other systems.

 

This architecture guarantees the predictable performance of the core apps and the VDI environment. Additionally, this isolation reduces the impact of failures on end users and application workloads.

 

Also Read | Introduction to Desktop Analytics

 

Types of VDI deployments:

 

There are mainly two types of Virtual Desktop Infrastructures:

 

• Persistent VDI:

 

Users may customize the desktop for their requirements by connecting to the same desktop repeatedly using persistent VDI since modifications are saved even after the connection is reset. In a persistent VDI system, desktops function precisely like individual physical desktops.

 

Users with complicated and quick digital workflows may quickly start up where they left off and take advantage of the desktop's broad customizing of the virtual programs and settings.

 

• Non-persistent VDI:

 

In comparison, non-persistent VDI is typically easier and less expensive since there is no need to keep customized desktops up to date between sessions. Users connect to generic desktops, and no modifications are saved. Nonpersistent VDI is frequently used in businesses with a large number of task workers or by employees who just need a customized desktop for a small number of recurring jobs.

 

Since a nonpersistent VDI solution simplifies device administration for kiosks and task workers who don't need to keep anything, it is ideally suited for one-time access to a desktop.

 

Benefits of VDI solutions:

 

We have talked about VDIs and their deployment, but why would any company adopt VDI? 

 

Here are ten benefits of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solutions that can help any organization in improving its work environment:

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Benefits of VDI Solutions

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1. It has a Centralized Management:

 

The fact that everything is largely controlled in one place is one of the main benefits. End customers are thus not needed to turn in their devices and wait for upgrades to be implemented. New OS or application versions can simply be added to the primary desktop image and then made accessible to all end-user devices.

 

2. It is Highly Accessible:

 

Employee access to their virtual desktop picture through laptops, cellphones, and mobile devices is one of the main end-user advantages. Additionally, end users now have access to software solutions that they previously would not have had because of the special features of VDI.

 

3. It allows Workforce Mobility:

 

This could be the benefit of using VDI that is most evident. End users may access virtualized desktops in a VDI design from practically any location and on virtually any device as long as they have internet connectivity. Usually, this leads to greater flexibility for both firms and people. 

 

This will result in higher morale and productivity among the workforce. Businesses will also be able to use a diversified workforce that is not constrained by geography owing to virtualization technology when VDI is combined with tools (like VPNs) that enable access to local VDI networks from remote locations.

 

Also Read: What is VPN? Types, Benefits, and Features

 

4. It is Flexible:

 

Businesses may become more nimble with the use of VDI. Businesses may easily access fresh VMs using VDI for consultants, temporary or seasonal staff, as well as for development and testing needs.

 

5. It follows the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ trend:

 

The end-equipment user used to connect to the network is irrelevant since virtual desktops are hosted on a central server located in a distant location. Therefore, users may virtually access their virtual desktops using whatever device they desire. 

 

Businesses are anticipated to desire more and more of their employees to utilize their own devices to connect to the network coming future given that the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend has witnessed a significant spike among firms (for at least one or a few applications).

 

6. It is Cost Effective:

 

VDI is inexpensive if the server configuration is already in place. Additionally, although firms must pay an upfront fee to adopt VDI, the long-term savings it provides are substantial. In other words, VDI is a wise investment that will eventually pay off handsomely. 

 

This is so that you may save money on PC hardware when you implement virtualization technologies. Because a single operating system or application license can frequently be shared across multiple virtual desktop sessions, licensing costs are also frequently lower when using VDI. 

 

Furthermore, if maintenance is necessary with a traditional setup, it will take the IT team a considerable amount of time to update every machine. With VDI, which is controlled from a single location, this time and effort output can be minimized.

 

7. It has Reduced Security Risks:

 

There is no way to overestimate the security advantages. Maintaining digital security is crucial as firms grow. After all, a single cyberattack or data breach may cost a company millions of dollars in losses while also seriously harming its brand. 

 

Given this, taking preventative precautions is recommended. Employing the appropriate preventative measures is essential if you want to guarantee the success of your organization. Your IT infrastructure is made more secure in part by the virtual environment. You can protect the data more effectively than you would be able to if it were dispersed among the devices of your employees because it is all contained in a single system. 

 

As a result, VDI enables you to maintain the security of your data. By doing this, you can lower the possibility of malicious cyberattacks and unintentional data breaches.

 

 

8. It increases the Productivity of your Employees:

 

One relatively broad advantage of VDI is that it boosts employee productivity by giving them a better working environment with remote access to PCs, improved security, less downtime for IT maintenance and upgrades, and more. 

 

With the use of virtual desktops, your company's operations may become more adaptable, agile, and efficient while also improving the focus and adaptability of employee activities. You can make sure that your staff members can continue to be productive despite a crisis. 

 

Over time, this kind of productivity is priceless for any kind of company.

 

9. It provides Centralized Troubleshooting:

 

VDI enables remote troubleshooting, which enables you to fix the problem for all of your end users' PCs at once if they encounter any problems. The centralized troubleshooting capacity is crucial since IT teams are constantly looking for methods to carry out their operations with a smaller budget and less time.

 

10. It has Improved Disaster Recovery:

 

Last but not least, a key advantage of VDI is that it constantly protects and backs up your data. The recovery from disaster is a crucial part of IT management. When data is lost and company activities are disrupted, companies without a disaster recovery strategy are at serious risk. 

 

To reduce this risk, you should take several measures, including virtualization. This is because the virtual desktop infrastructure that is centralized on servers can be recovered more quickly than traditional desktops, which would need to be rebuilt manually and one at a time in the event of an emergency.

 

Use Cases of VDI:

 

Here are some real-life applications of VDI:

 

1. Call centers:

 

The capacity to easily consume a typical desktop from a pool of comparable desktops is one of the main benefits of a nonpersistent desktop. The standard call center is a great illustration of how this approach directly addresses the requirements of a group of individuals. 

 

Only a small number of tasks, which do not necessitate the use of a nonstandard desktop, are required of each team member. The cost of equipping each employee with a real desktop computer is reduced when there is a flexible workforce that can increase or decrease. Instead, employees can just connect to an accessible desktop during their working hours.

 

With only the necessary software installed, the typical nonpersistent desktop instance may be distributed between physical sites with no difficulty and is readily patchable.

 

2. Remote Employees:

 

It is significantly simpler to give remote workers access to corporate standard desktop environments across a wide range of devices when VDI environments are used. Any remote worker at a remote site may be given access to the main software systems using the virtual desktop and with little cost. 

 

Each team member gets access to the same corporate network and resources, regardless of where they are, while still retaining central access and application restrictions. While the data is still centralized in the primary data center, persistent desktops may be tailored to each user's preferences.

 

3. Contract Employees:

 

When temporary employees join a team, they require access to some of the most vital resources and team members, but security is a crucial factor. Using a virtual desktop, it is feasible to manage temporary employees' access to company resources while providing them with a connecting point. 

 

Without having access to any systems unrelated to the contract, contractors can complete activities that need organizational resources. Additionally, for the period of the contract, this control reduces the expense of providing a physical endpoint device.

 

Conclusion:

 

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure should not be confused with virtual machines. VDI is powered by virtual machines. Virtual machines (VMs) are software "machines" made by dividing a real server into many virtual servers using a hypervisor.

 

The many advantages of VDI make it clear that implementing the technology for your company can be very advantageous. That explains why companies in banking, finance, healthcare, and other industries are deciding to switch to VDI.

 

Larger businesses should think about deploying VDI in a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) environment when planning a deployment since HCI's scalability and excellent performance are a natural fit for VDI's resource requirements.