What is VDI? What is it Used For?

In the dynamic ambiance of the digital age, which is shaping every aspect of life, the business world is preparing for a transformative shift. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), a revolutionary technology poised to redefine not just the workplace and work life, but perhaps fundamentally the human experience, is rolling up its sleeves to create a powerful future where flexibility, security, and productivity converge. Its goal is to empower businesses and unlock the potential at the core of work. With advanced security measures that protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations, VDI is likely to make us question the meaning of the virtual. So, what exactly is this cutting-edge service? If you're curious to learn how you can seamlessly access this new way of working, read on.

What is VDI?

VDI, or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, is a desktop virtualization technology where a desktop operating system (typically Microsoft Windows) is run and managed in a data center. The term VDI stands for virtual desktop infrastructure and falls under the umbrella of end-user computing (EUC). The term was first coined by VMware and is available as an option in Linux virtual desktops.

VDI frees organizations from the limitations of traditional desktop environments, offering the ability to work from anywhere in the world. Instead of being tied to a specific physical device, a virtual desktop provides a pre-configured image of an operating system and allows access to applications from any compatible device. With VDI, desktop environments can be hosted on a central server and delivered to end users on demand. It is one of the most popular Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offerings. Windows 10 Azure Virtual Desktop, a successful example of VDI, offers efficient operation with many users in small-scale virtual pools. Windows VDI is a cloud-based desktop and application virtualization service that provides a multi-user Windows 10 experience. It's fair to say that VDI has become an excellent solution for remote workers, allowing

What Are the Types of VDI?

There are various types of VDI that organizations can choose from, depending on their needs and requirements: persistent VDI and non-persistent VDI. The key difference between these two types of virtual desktop infrastructure lies in the ability to save changes and permanently install applications on the desktop.

Persistent VDI

This is a type of VDI where the user's settings, applications, and data are saved even after the session is closed. This means that the user can access the same desktop environment each time they log in. Persistent VDI is ideal for organizations that require personalized desktops for their employees, such as those in creative industries or those using specialized software. With persistent VDI, you can achieve a consistent user experience by having personalized desktops and the ability to install software tailored to each user.

Non-Persistent VDI

Non-persistent VDI is a type of virtual desktop where the user's settings, applications, and data are not saved after the session is closed. Each time the user logs in, they have a new desktop environment. Non-persistent VDI is ideal for organizations with many users who need access to a standardized desktop environment, such as call centers or retail stores. With this type of VDI, you can benefit from lower storage requirements, increased security as no data is left on the desktop, and faster login times.

Hosted Shared Desktops

Shared web hosting, also known as shared hosting, is a type of VDI where multiple users share the same virtual desktop environment. Each user opens their own session on the shared desktop, but they all use the same resources, such as CPU and RAM. This type of VDI is suitable for organizations that need to support many users but have limited resources. With shared hosting, you may need lower hardware requirements, reduce costs, and have the chance to work with an easily manageable system.

Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH)

RDSH, or Remote Desktop Session Host, is a type of VDI where multiple users share the same server operating system. Here too, each user opens their own session on the server, but they all use the same resources like CPU and RAM. RDSH can be preferred by businesses that need to cater to a large number of users despite limited resources. Like shared hosting, the lower hardware requirements, cost reduction, and easy management are advantages of RDSH.

What Is VDI Used For?

VDI, which provides users with secure and remote access to their desktops from any device, unlocks a world of possibilities by promoting a culture of flexibility, protecting sensitive data, and delivering unprecedented levels of productivity. In addition to these benefits, there are some specific use cases that make it unique.

Remote Work: As VDI facilitates the centralized distribution and updating of virtual desktops, an increasing number of companies are adopting this method for their remote workers.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Also known as "bring your own device," the BYOD policy is an ideal solution for environments that allow or require employees to use their own devices. Since processing takes place on a central server, VDI allows for a wider range of devices to be used but does not store the server’s data on the end client device, thereby offering high security.

Task-Based or Shift Work: Non-persistent VDI is especially suitable for organizations like call centers that have many employees using the same software to perform limited tasks.

What Are the Advantages of VDI?

The days when you had to be in the office to access your data are long gone. With VDI, you can securely access your cloud desktop from anywhere without the need for the "old-school" VPN approach. By considering the following prominent advantages of virtual desktop infrastructure, you can evaluate key factors before setting up the system.

A virtual environment plays an important role in making IT infrastructure more secure. In VDI, data is stored in a centralized system. Since this system is integrated with each employee's device, the security risk is eliminated. With centralized VDI, data can be recovered much faster following a disruption compared to traditional desktops, where data has to be recreated manually or individually. When the end user encounters a problem, VDI provides centralized troubleshooting by resolving the issue remotely for all systems simultaneously. VDI is a positive investment. Without the need to spend excessively on computer hardware, multiple virtual desktop sessions can be shared with a single operating system or application license. It helps make business operations more agile, streamlined, and efficient while making employees’ efforts and skills more focused and flexible.

How Does VDI Work?

VDI is among the technologies that are becoming increasingly important in the modern business world. It is also a critical factor that large organizations should consider when planning VDI deployment. At first glance, the scalability and high performance of HCI (hyper-converged infrastructure) seem to align naturally with VDI’s needs. However, for small businesses, this combination might be unnecessary and overly expensive.

To succeed when implementing VDI, preparing the network properly is crucial. Using performance monitoring tools to understand resource consumption needs in advance and determining the requirements of each virtual desktop will help you take the right steps initially. It is also vital to understand the needs of the end users. Understanding how much users can customize their desktops and what performance requirements they have will help correctly configure the VDI setup. Lastly, conducting a pilot test is known as the best way to ensure that the system works according to expectations. This step is critical for identifying and resolving potential issues beforehand.

If you're looking to gain practical knowledge about the advantages of VDI and how to use it, you can start pushing your boundaries in the virtual world by joining bootcamps or hackathon events organized by Techcareer.net, which can help make your work life easier and increase productivity.