In a world where technology reigns supreme and physical limitations are a distant memory, it enters virtualization: the superhero of the IT ecosystem in 2024, with the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Let’s face the reality of digital transformation with instant connectivity, uninterrupted remote access, and high-end remote work security in 2024. Wondering how?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a virtualization model that centrally hosts desktops on remote servers.
According to a Gartner survey, Hosted Virtual Desktop Infrastructure market is yet to surge by over 150% growth. It will continue to be a secure and cost-efficient solution for remote work in the coming years.
Isn’t it evident that more and more businesses are stacking up to meet digital workplace needs by moving to cloud Virtual desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
VDI for large enterprises delivers secure access to all business applications and data on employees’ devices from around the globe, implementing required security protocols and access policies.
If you are on the same page as us, you might be interested in knowing some of the top VDI providers in the industry.
Empowering the Remote Workforce: The Top VDI Solutions Providers
1. VMware
VMware offers a wide range of cloud services to the global market. Cloud solutions help you centralize your business using a hybrid or multi-cloud environment.
VMware offers a robust platform to host your VDI solutions in a cloud environment. The solution enables you to invest less in your data center resources by shifting your data to the cloud. And it’s done without re-deploying your current architecture.
Why should you choose VMware?
-> The organization offers multidimensional cloud support.
-> You can lower the cost of on-premise VDI setup while VMWare hosts your virtual desktops with applications in their data centers.
-> You can leverage the digital workspace experience by shifting the focus of your IT team from manual tasks to innovation.
Pricing – Variable as per the product and version
Free Trial – Available
2. Ace Cloud Hosting
ACH offers business-critical virtual desktop solutions that provide vibrant pathways to transcend operations, foster innovation, and create value for partner organizations.
The organization enables a conducive IT ecosystem that empowers businesses to work smoothly from anywhere and at any time in a secure manner.
ACH has over 14+ years of experience in creating, deploying, and scaling dynamic cloud infrastructure of high-growth enterprises and enabling real-world foundations to support their business growth. The solutions are tailor-made to cater to unique business needs. Their goal is to smooth out the complexities of managing on-premises huge server setups.
Why should you choose ACE?
-> ACE has been awarded Expert’s Choice 2021 and Supreme Software 2021 by Finances Online.
-> Users can leverage virtual desktops hosted on high-performance computing servers with high-quality graphics.
-> ACE covers everything from hosting the infrastructure to managing complex virtual desktops to end-user devices, including proactive monitoring, end-to-end performance assessment, and more to ease our client experience.
-> ACE as a VDI provider deploys high-security standards with encryption methods such as firewalls, OS patching, intrusion detection and protection systems (IDPs), and more.
-> The pricing plans are flexible and based on a pay-as-you-go subscription model, making it an affordable choice for early-stage startups with dynamic scalability needs.
-> ACE VDI offers a wide range of cloud VDI services that are business-specific. These packages start from as low as $30, and their data centers are located all over the globe.
Pricing – Starting at $30/user/month
Free Trial – Available
3. Citrix
Citrix is one of the most popular VDI providers and offers a wide range of cloud services that include precise control over virtual machines, licensing, applications, and security. Moreover, the hosted desktops allow businesses to operate from anywhere and on any device, regardless of the operating system.
Why should you choose Citrix?
-> The virtual desktops have several layers of physical and adaptive security controls. So, your security is never at risk.
-> Citrix experts support you in streamlining management; there won’t be any need for your IT personnel to pick up new skills to learn and handle VDI.
-> The virtual desktops use HDX technology to give you a better experience with video and audio on your virtual desktops.
Pricing – Standard, Premium, Plus Plans
Free Trial – Demo Available
Recommended Read: How Virtual Workspace Can Drive Your Business Forward?
4. Amazon AWS
Amazon AWS delivers cloud-based desktops to configure Windows or Linux desktops in minutes. And you can scale up and down to have thousands of concurrent desktops.
Many administrative tasks related to desktop lifecycle management, such as provisioning, deployment, and maintenance, are eliminated.
Why should you choose Amazon AWS?
-> To ensure that your data is encrypted in AWS cloud space, they provide the Key Management Service (KMS).
-> The scalability model of Amazon AWS lets you choose the number of desktops as per your needs.
-> AWS offers SLA-guaranteed 99.99% uptime to their customers.
Pricing – Monthly and hourly billing plans
Free Trial – Available
5. Azure
Azure is one of the highest-rated VDI providers in the industry today. The enterprise offers added compliance and security with cloud services, including VDI for large enterprises.
The cloud solution is based on a multi-session version of Windows 10, specially designed for the DaaS platform. A significant advantage is that users receive free extended security updates for Windows 7.
Why should you choose Azure?
-> Their VDI model is built for both small businesses and enterprises, making it an infinitely continuous backup and data capacity one of the significant features.
-> Azure Cloud desktops leverage 256-bit AES encryption and data capacity management to ensure security at every access level.
Pricing – Based on Execution time
Free Trial – Available
6. IBM
The IBM Cloud offers a virtual desktop solution with more resource-intensive capabilities. Various hosted desktops can use high-performance NVIDIA GRID hardware to use the same graphical processing unit (GPU). Moreover, working from other devices can give you a desktop-like experience for resource-intensive applications.
IBM VDI for large enterprises increases security for virtual desktops by avoiding any data leakage as they send only encrypted visual input or output over the secure network.
Why should you choose IBM?
-> IBM offers centralized management wherein users can have control over patching and updating all virtualized desktops at once.
-> VDI supports you with secure access to files, applications, and cloud services anywhere.
Pricing – It depends on the infrastructure you’re using.
Free Trial – Available
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider When Selecting Your VDI Cloud Providers
As cloud computing continues to revolutionize our business, choosing the right VDI provider has become a crucial decision for organizations of all sizes.
From security and reliability to scalability and cost, numerous factors need to be considered when selecting a cloud provider.
Join us as we explore the key considerations to ensure you make an informed decision and unlock the full potential of cloud computing for your organization.
First Know If VDI Fit Into Your Current and Future User Environment
As you are getting desktops virtualized to maintain business continuity, you need to ensure that the virtual desktops offer multi-device compatibility and remote access. But, be aware that there can be slight distinctions between functionality and visuals from device to device.
As today’s workforce is working from different places, you surely need access to your corporate data and applications on the move, especially in the legal or manufacturing domain. Ensure that your VDI vendor offers you access to virtual machines on Android and iOS. A responsive configuration is also critical if you plan to use virtual desktops on multiple devices with different screen sizes.
Critical Factor To Note: Will You Get Security And Monitoring
As we know, 60% of businesses deploy cloud technology to store confidential data. One of the primary considerations for a business is securing its sensitive information. So, look for a cloud service provider with security standards such as IDPs and DDoS protection to strengthen your data security.
Moreover, VDI cloud providers have various security protocols at physical and network levels. This protocol reduces the chances of viruses and other malware damaging sensitive business information.
Be Aware About VDI Company’s Support Standards
The best way to know whether the cloud service provider is right for you is by assessing their customer support. I would go for one who delivers 24*7 support.
It is suggested to enquire about the procedures and ask the following:
-> Do they have an in-house support team?
-> Do they have a team of experienced and certified cloud experts to solve your issues?
-> Do they offer support on public holidays?
Know About Their GPU Intensive Applications Support
Having top-notch GPU-intensive features is a need in every industry, especially in education and retail. As graphics-intensive applications are the future, support your productivity approach with super-fast servers.
Performance and GPU-intensive features go hand in hand at this point. Keeping GPU-intensive performance is one of the VDI provider’s great strengths. So, having a VDI service provider can help you work on all popular design and 3D apps without investing in an expensive physical workstation.
Be Informed About the Data Backup Policies
The regular backup of data is crucial to ensure its safety and availability. To ensure your data is protected, you need to inquire with cloud VDI providers about their backup strategies, including the frequency and type of backups, the locations of their data centers, and the procedures they have in place for data restoration in the event of an incident.
Prefer Flexible Pricing Plans
After checking that providers meet your expectations and requirements, know their pricing and plans. Although VDI pricing varies, the providers’ price offerings should be reasonable. VDI providers should offer a pay-as-you-go model, so you don’t need to invest upfront.
Many VDI providers offer discounts for extended-term contracts. Also, determine 24×7 IT support and Disaster recovery are included in their plans or if there is an extra charge for these services.
The Top Takeaways: Choosing a VDI Provider
We know desktop virtualization is at the heart of the global business world.
So, what have you planned about deploying the VDI solution to gain a competitive market advantage?
After showing you the top 6 cloud VDI providers to look out for in the coming years, we hope you know what is best for you. But are you thinking about having round-the-clock support for your hybrid team, even on holidays and weekends?
Why not go for a hosted VDI provider who can take all the stress off your shoulder?
Having a cloud VDI provider like Ace Cloud Hosting can assist you in terminating all the deployment barriers and desktop management hassles for you. They know all the technical aspects of VDI infrastructures and handle your concerns by giving you round-the-clock support, even on public holidays.
It’s about time you get ready to have a top-scoring hybrid work environment through the roof!
Also Read: Understanding How Virtual Desktop Pricing Works
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Virtual Desktop?
A Virtual Desktop is a technology that allows users to access a desktop environment remotely through a network connection. It is often used for remote work, cloud computing, and other virtualization purposes.
2. What are the types of Desktop Virtualization?
Desktop Virtualization is the process of creating virtual desktops that can be accessed remotely. The three main types of desktop virtualization are:
– Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): In this type, a server runs virtual machines that host the desktop environment, and users access the virtual desktops through a remote connection.
– Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS): DaaS is a cloud-based desktop virtualization model in which a service provider hosts virtual desktops and delivers them to users over the internet.
– Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or Session-Based Desktops: In this type, a remote desktop session is created on a server, and multiple users can access and share the same session simultaneously.
3. What are the major benefits of VDI Environment?
There are several benefits of using a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment, including:
– Centralized Management: VDI allows for centralized management of desktops, reducing IT management costs and increasing efficiency.
– Improved Security: VDI can improve security by keeping data on a central server rather than on individual devices, reducing the risk of data breaches and loss.
– Increased Flexibility: VDI allows users to access their desktops from any location and on any device, providing increased flexibility and mobility.
– Lower Hardware Costs: VDI can reduce hardware costs by allowing multiple virtual desktops to run on a single physical server, reducing the need for individual desktop hardware.
– Easy Maintenance and Updates: VDI makes it easy to maintain and update desktops, with updates and patches pushed out centrally rather than on individual devices.
4. What is the main difference between Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS)?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is hosted on-premises or in a private cloud, while Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) is a cloud-based service hosted and managed by a third-party provider, offering greater flexibility and scalability.
5. What is the main difference between Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?
The main difference between VDI and RDS is,Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) provides individual virtual desktops, while Remote Desktop Services (RDS) provides a shared session-based desktop. RDS is more suitable for scenarios where users need to access the same session, while VDI is better for scenarios where users require dedicated virtual desktops.
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