What if I told you there is a way to access a desktop from anywhere, anytime using devices like a smartphone, tablet, or even another desktop? With the advent of modern technologies, it is now possible to remotely access a desktop through a Virtual Desktop Environment (VDE).
It has slowly become one of the most prominent digital trends around the globe.
As per the reports by Markets and Markets, it is projected to grow up to $13.45 Billion by 2022 from $7.08 Billion in 2012.
While you can always set up your Virtual Desktop Environment, availing of a third-party service is much easier, more flexible, and cost-effective to work with.
Here, let’s have a detailed look at the virtual desktop environment:
How does VDE work?
Virtual Desktop Environment (VDE) relies on two main components: Hypervisor and Connection Broker.
The software and hardware components are bound to the same device in a traditional desktop setup and cannot be used separately. A hypervisor is used to carry out virtualization, where computing resources are separated into different layers to create multiple virtual instances. These resources are later used to set up virtual desktops. Once these virtual desktops are completed, a connection broker is used to link them together, receive the incoming user authentication, verify it, and direct them to a virtual desktop.
Recommended Reading: What is VDI? How Does Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Work?
Benefits of Virtual Desktop Environment or VDE
1. Remote access
With sound internet connectivity and valid user authorization, a virtual desktop environment can be remotely accessed from anywhere, anytime, using multiple devices. So, suppose your office space is inaccessible due to unavoidable reasons like unfavorable weather conditions, or you simply want to hire remote workers. In that case, VDE empowers you to overcome traditional desktop limitations and freely access your desktop via the Internet.
2. Hassle-free IT maintenance
VDE has a centralized IT infrastructure that makes it comparatively more straightforward to handle than conventional desktops; you still need a great degree of technical expertise and skilled IT personnel for its maintenance. A third-party VDE solution from a reputed service provider offers comprehensive IT management services as they bear the entire responsibility of a VDE setup. They have seasoned experts who are well-experienced and are available around the clock to assist you.
3. Rapid scalability
A third-party VDE solution offers rapid scalability. Instead of bringing in components for individual devices, you just need to intimate your service provider, and they can provide you with upgrades in a matter of a few hours. This way, you get the advantage of scaling up when the workload is high.
You also have the flexibility to scale down if you do not need the resources anymore.
4. Cost-effectiveness
If you opt for Virtual Desktop Environment services from a service provider, your data and computing resources are hosted on the cloud. This means that you do not need to purchase the hardware.
Also, being remotely accessible, you can either have a significant part of your employees on a WFH basis or go entirely remote to further save up on workspace-related expenditure. In short, your organizational expenses move from CapEx to OpEx as you can avoid entire set-up-related costs and avail of VDE services by only paying a monthly subscription fee.
5. Device portability
Once a particular desktop malfunctions in a conventional desktop system, you cannot access your files and data unless restored.
However, since Virtual Desktop Environment is device-independent, you can simply use another device to access your virtual desktop if one device malfunctions.
6. Enhanced security
Every time a user logins into VDE, it leaves a digital footprint that can be traced if required. Also, VDE providers offer multi-factor authentication to reaffirm a user login.
Additionally, providers offer further advanced security features such as AI surveillance, IDPS system, modern antivirus/anti-malware software, and bank-grade data encryption.
Types of Virtual Desktop Environment (VDE)
VDE is of two types: Persistent and Non-Persistent VDEs.
Persistent – Also known as the “stateful” VDE, a Persistent VDE is one in which when the users log in, they are directed to their particular virtual desktops. They can access their last-saved system configurations and data.
Non-persistent – However, a Non-Persistent VDE is different. Each user login redirects them to a generic version of the virtual desktop and doesn’t work with their previously saved settings or data. Since the desktops cannot maintain their state, they are also known as the “stateless” VDE.
Use Cases of Virtual Desktop Environment
1. BPOs
BPOs like call centers extensively deploy virtual desktops for managing their business operations. Since a company hires a BPO to outsource its business operations, its location is insignificant and can be present in different cities, states, or even continents. This allows BPOs to freely avail remote solutions and hire remote workers worldwide for better time-zone compatibility and higher personnel availability.
Download Case Study – ACE Solution Empowers BPO To Protect Critical Data
2. Healthcare
HIPAA and other privacy norms stringently regulate the data in the healthcare industry. Hence, they must implement measures for ensuring and effectively securing their patients’ data. Since cloud desktops are not device-dependent and can be equipped with multi-factor authentication for secured login, they have greater data security than conventional desktops. Also, virtual desktops are remotely accessible; the users can access crucial records on the go and help out in case of emergencies rapidly.
3. Accounting
The workload in a CPA firm dramatically increases during the tax season, for which they require additional computational resources like RAM, desktops, etc. VDE from a cloud provider can be rapidly scaled up, allowing them to work without facing any significant delays. Just an intimation to your VDE provider, and they will offer you the required resources. Since VDE is remotely accessible, firms can also hire more accountants and outsource their tasks.
Also Read: VDI Use Cases: Top 6 Real World Benefits and Applications
Difference between VDI and VDE
Often confused as two different technologies, VDE and VDI are the same, offering a desktop environment where the computing resources and the end-point are separated. VDE/VDI allows the users to remotely access a workstation via the Internet as if they were sitting at the workstation.
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