What is a Virtual Desktop?

The pandemic created a sense of urgency in adapting virtualization and cloud services. Covid-19 drove organizations to implement a work-from-home culture. Since then, data security in the WFH model has started causing issues for enterprises as the data is scattered among several devices. Data leakage is highly susceptible now, which puts the company’s integrity at risk.   

Hence, the rise in demand for virtualization. It is expected to cross 12 billion by the end of 2027. So, it looks like, with remote working, enterprises are now embracing the change by adapting virtualization and cloud computing solutions. More than 94% of enterprises are using cloud solutions in one way or another.   

Recommended Reading: What is VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)? How does VDI work?

The IT industry is quite familiar with the concept of emulators. In computing, emulators are used to create an image of another system’s environment on the host system. Developers and testers use emulators in their daily computing to create and test application for a specific operating system. It gives a native experience of Android, iOS, or Windows operating systems. 

Similar to emulators, Virtual desktops also simulate a system environment on the host system via a virtual machine. It can replicate a complex system with high-end computing capabilities on a thin client, saving time and cost while offering the flexibility of remote working and scalability.  

How do Virtual Desktops work?  

Virtual desktops are hosted over a virtual machine located at data centers and can only be accessed via the Internet. It’s up to the management to host the VM on-premises, or they can choose to host it over a cloud-based virtual machine. Implementing one VM over the server allows enterprises to access virtual desktop services over multiple systems.   

Users can log in from the VDI portal using credentials and access the applications and operating system from their devices (BYOD) or thin clients. This method is efficient, secure, and saves a lot on costs for enterprises. It also provides employees with a sense of flexibility, creating a healthy working environment in the Covid-19 times.   

How do Virtual Desktops work?

Types Of Virtual Desktops 

You can implement Virtual Desktop through two methods: Persistent and Non-Persistent.   

Persistent Desktop 

In Persistent Desktops, each user has a desktop image customized according to their requirements: specifications and software usage. This type of system is dedicated to the user or a cluster of users; for e.g., a team of graphic designers will require similar specifications and software licenses. So, these can be clubbed together to create a separate cluster that caters to their prerequisites. Moreover, data in a persistent system is stored and managed at the centralized server, making it easier to secure, modify, delete or update.  

Recommended Reading: Persistent VDI vs. Non-Persistent VDI: Which one to choose for your business? 

Managed Virtual Desktop Services – Delivering Excellent User Experience

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Non-Persistent Desktop 

Non-Persistent desktops are more efficient as they are shared from a pool to multiple users. Non-persistent systems are constructed using a golden desktop image, where the users get a new session every time, they log in. NP desktops are designed based on scripts, profiles, and software. Any customizations made during the user’s session are repudiated. The main benefit of NP desktops is it requires less storage space, as users’ data is stored in a separate room, and once their session ends, the system is restored to its base form.  

In Virtual Desktops, the creation of multiple virtual machines in one system is handled by Hypervisor. This is for on-premises environment setup. The Hypervisor is responsible for creating and executing a Virtual machine on the physical system. The host system can support several virtual instances by sharing processing and memory.  

In an off-premises case, the public cloud eliminates the need for Hypervisor and infrastructure and communicates directly with the virtual machine and APIs.  

Top Virtual Desktop Benefits 

Higher Scalability 

Virtualization of desktops is highly accredited as the revolution regarding SMBs. Management can cater to different types of employees based on their requirements and job profile. With VDI, enterprises can scale the system whenever they want and can accommodate temporary employees, Remote workers, or contractors with a functional design within minutes. 

Flexibility 

Data in the VDI system is managed centrally from a public cloud or datacenters, permitting admins to install, edit, delete or modify software patches, licenses, and configurations. Isolated systems in VDI also authorize testers to perform testing on applications and software without hindering the actual production environment.  

Enhanced security 

This technology’s biggest USP is providing a sense of security in this crucial and cyber-crime-high environment. VDI transmits pixels to the host systems in response to the requests and stores the data with encryption in the data centers. VDI empowers admins to micro-manage and essentially isolate the data from the user’s physical system, making it a less exposed threat. Moreover, IT admins can perform all sorts of audits and enforce policies restricting downloading or sharing data outside VDI architecture.  

Cost savings 

Cost-efficient VDI refers to the remote working culture mostly. Promoting BYOD methods and procuring infrastructure and physical devices with high specifications can be avoided. Even on On-premises, computational in VDI is carried on the virtual machines, allowing enterprises to choose low-end physical devices that support continued network access and can handle a browser with HTML5.  

Get ACE for Virtual Desktops 

Virtualization of desktops has come a long way since its inception. Although this technology has a lot in common with simulations and emulation, it can offer more sophisticated and niche solutions comprising whole organizations. Initializing and accessing VDI is relatively easy; users need to log in and connect to the virtual Desktop. Users can interact with the system just like any other physical system.  

Enterprises seeking end-to-end managed virtual desktop solutions can select DaaS (Desktop-as-a-Service) model for the cloud. DaaS service providers such as ACE VDI offer managed service and better security options for a smooth transition to the virtual model.  Although, Local desktop virtualization allows local desktop and data support, remote desktop virtualization is more common in the market.

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About Julie Watson

Julie is a dynamic professional with over 16 years of rich experience as a VDI and Application Hosting expert. At Ace Cloud Hosting, she humanizes disruptive and emerging remote working trends to help leaders discover new and better possibilities for digital transformation and innovation by using cloud solutions with an enterprise-class security approach. Beyond work, Julie is a passionate surfer.
On the weekend, you will find her hanging out with her family or surfing around the North Shore of Oahu.

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