VDI technology guide for managers

What is VDI technology? 

VDI technology is a computing architecture wherein virtual instances of client OS and applications are contained within a physical server hosting a virtualized server environment. The virtual instances (of applications and OS) are sent as snapshots to client machines.

VDI technology concentrates the computing resourcesof an organization in a secure, centralized data center. The desktop environment runs from an isolated virtual machine located on the data center, alongside other virtual machines. VDI technology allows users to use their familiar OS with a certain level of customization. It also makes it simpler for administrators to manage infrastructure better.

VDI technology eases maintenance and security overheads while enabling optimum use of computing resources. It allows end-users to access their desktop environments from any device—desktop, laptop, smartphone, or thin client—from any connected location.

Top market trends 

There continues to be a debate about who invented VDI: Citrix orVMware. Both these vendors dominate the VDI market currently. The other big players in VDI technology are Microsoft, Oracle (Sun), Red Hat, Parallels, NComputing, etc.

Recently, Microsoft and Citrix have formed an alliance to offer combination products to compete with VMware.

Pros and cons of deploying VDI technology 

Benefits:

• New desktops can be created and deployed quickly.

• Thin clients running off virtual machines tend to last two to three times longer than full-sized PCs.

• In VDI technology, the client OS can be managed centrally.

• The application compatibility problems are fewer in VDI technology compared to traditional server-based computing (SBC) solutions.

• Hardware failures can be managed better.

• Secure, remote access to desktops is easy.

• VDI technology offers improved data security.

Disadvantages:

• Privacy and personalization restrictions should be imposed on users.

• Peripherals like printers and scanners may not work out of the box on the client machines.

• Resource-intensive applications, viz. as multimedia, do not perform satisfactorily when piped over a network.

• Network failures may interrupt work as VDI technology depends entirely on networks. End-users are dependent on the availability of a corporate or internet network to access their data.

• VDI technology deployment and management can be expensive.

Evaluating VDI technology: Key aspects to consider 

• Not all organizational networks today can benefit from VDI technology. Some may be served better by improved versions of traditional SBC solutions. Some computers in the network will need to be left non-virtualized. The choice depends on user requirements, applications used, and performance needs of individual workstations.

• VDI technology does not eliminate the need for traditional SBCs that perform well when applications are few and complexity low. An SBC solution that has been proven to work for you can continue to be used. If current SBC deployment is unsatisfactory, evaluate it for redesign before determining if a new VDI technology architecture would be suitable. Large and complex environments with SBCs might benefit from a combined VDI and SBC solution.

• Most organizations may be best served by adopting a hybrid approach, with an optimal mix of SBC (for task-oriented users), VDI technology (for power users), and thin clients (stock traders, graphic designers, etc) which deliver the most benefit and platform flexibility to the organization.

Deployment challenges to watch out for 

Deploying VDI technology may involve a change management challenges. Project heads need to ensure buy-in of users for its adoption. Managers should consider the following factors while deploying VDI technology:

• VDI technology implementations may require IT infrastructure upgrades to run effectively.

• VDI technology requires large network bandwidth, storage, and memory resources. Running VDI technology may require server upgrades.

• Time needs to be given for users to get familiar with VDI technology.

• Power users may feel frustrated due to significant reduction in user control over desktops.

• Users may be reluctant about VDI technology adoption due to restrictions on storing private data.

Top vendors and solution offerings 

Further reading: 

Definition: What is VDI technology?

User case study: Forbes Marshall’s journey towards desktop virtualization

User case study: Sterlite Tech's VDI rollout reaps rich dividends

News: Perfetti moves to Windows 7 on VDI

News: Kotak Bank’s IT projects in 2011-12 to cover VDI, analytics

RoI Tip: Calculating the return on investment from VDI

Tips: VDI technology implementation: Three things to avoid

Tips: Four reasons why VDI might not be right for you

Tips: Lock down systems by switching to a VDI technology

Tips: What technology makes VDI possible?