Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that makes use of virtual machines to provide and manage virtual desktops. Virtual desktops are preset images of os and applications desktop environments. The virtual desktop environment is accessed through a centralized network separated from the physical device in use to access it.
Using hypervisors to abstract a computer's software from the physical hardware, allows multiple virtual desktops to run parallel from a single physical server. Meanwhile, the desktop instances are connected through a connection broker which is a software gateway acting as a layer authentication between the user and server.
Administrators of VDI can either deploy persistent or nonpersistent desktops. Each type offers different features :
Using persistent VDI allows the user to connect to the same desktop each time, the changes made over time are saved even if the connection is reset. This is due to the permanent reserved VDI resource allocated in each logon allowing the user's virtual desktop to be personalized on it such as shortcuts, screensavers, store files, and so on, on the desktop
Using nonpersistent VDI allows users to connect to a usual desktop where changes done to it are not saved. It is commonly easier and cheaper to use as the OS is separate from the user data decreasing storage costs. In addition, it is easy to manage since it has a minimal amount of images needed to be maintained and secured.
VDI brings great utility in all sorts of environments but there are a few cases where VDI are most suited for the job such as:
Remote work: VDI is known to be easy to deploy thus making it easier for remote works to have access to standard desktop environments. Regardless of a location team member is able to access the same network and resources of their respective organization while maintaining central access and controls while the data remains centralized.
Use of personal devices: VDI is ideal for organizations that require their workers to use their own devices. VDI allows the control and access of the core software systems to be granted to remote workers. This makes the data stores in the server where data is not retained in the end client, allowing better security.
Task or Teamwork: Members of teams might only need to do a certain set of tasks that does not require the desktop to be nonstandard.
All data is stored in the data center instead of the end client device. This helps to protect the data from being stolen if an end client device is compromised.
VDI's centralized format allows the user to access VDI from a large variety of devices such as home computers, kiosks, mobile devices, and so on. Meanwhile, access in any device the user interface stays consistent which is not acclimated in any way.
VDI environment can be quickly expanded when needed, this enables the workers to have access to the libraries and applications. When compared to endpoint devices, endpoint devices might take days or even weeks.
VDI processing is done on the server as such hard requirements for end devices are lower. Virtual desktops can be run normally using older model devices thus reducing the need for the IT department to spend costs on new hardware.
VDI is known to be easy to deploy thus making it easier for remote works to have access to standard desktop environments. Regardless of a location team member is able to access the same network and resources of their respective organization while maintaining central access and controls while the data remains centralized.
Without experience or proper training, users with access to VDI might be confusing which will result in poor user experience. For example, a user attempts to delete a file from the virtual desktop but in turn, deleted the one on his local desktop. This may result in a waste of productivity and additional time in retrieving back the files and so on.
VDI requires multiple components to work together without problems to provide users with virtual desktops. This makes VDI need dedicated personnel to monitor the system using third-party monitoring tools to ensure maximum uptime.
VDI any problems in any of the multiple applications will cause disruption is daily operations
At the start there will be additional IT infrastructure expenses which include personnel, licensing, VDI hard and so on which costs quite a bit.
Virtual desktops require a good internet connection in order to provide a greater and richer experience