Thinking first and foremost as
customer would be thinking.

Thinking first and foremost as
customer would be thinking.

VDI - Desktop from a different angle...

Date: 11.11.2019

When companies deal with complex management or installation of client computers, VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is probably the optimal solution.

This solution is based on consolidation and virtualization of clients’ operating systems in data center, where users access their desktops. In general, virtualization is used to separate the hardware from the provided services, while under the service we can imagine countless functionalities (from the Internet to virtual desktops).

 

 

VDI components

The operation of VDI consists of two main parts - Hypervisor and Connection Provider.

Hypervisor
A hypervisor is software that separates the operating system from the hardware. The software creates a virtualized background in which the hardware can be divided into multiple virtual machines. Each virtual machine can have its unique configuration, operating system and applications.

In VDI, the Hypervisor creates desktop instances in the virtual machines. Each desktop instance can act as a separate desktop and can be provided to users. The function of high availability in Hypervisor also allows you to connect to multiple servers. So even if one server physically fails, the desktop instance moves almost immediately to another.

Connection Broker
Connection broker is a software program that connects users with computer instances on the Hypervisor. This program is also responsible for authentication of users and at the same time is monitoring active and inactive desktops.

When user sends a request to connect to the desktop, the software program provides the user with an instance of the desktop. When the user disconnects from the desktop, the user status automatically updates to inactive.

 

 

Advantages of VDI

Access
The main benefit of VDI is remote access. Traditional desktops are limited by access, and once the user is away from the system, you can no longer use your desktop. With VDI, access to the desktop is not limited.

Security
Another important aspect of VDI is security. When we are talking about computers and notebooks, data, applications, or the operating system are usually stored on local hardware, or disk. In case of theft or damage of computer, it leads to immediately loss of all data. Subsequently, it is necessary to buy new hardware and begin a complete installation and configuration.

With VDI, users don't have to worry about losing their data because remote data centers store data with a high level of redundancy. In addition, if the device is stolen or lost, the user can access the desktop from any other device.

Device portability
VDI technology gives you instant access to your desktop from a variety of devices. With a VDI solution, the desktop is never tied to specific hardware. For display the desktop can be used mobile phones, laptops or even tablets. Because with VDI, not every system needs to be configured manually, it is very easy to access the desktop by cloning, so virtual desktops can be used indefinitely and immediately.

Data center system
When a user uses a VDI solution, virtual computers are based on servers in high-performance data centers. Also it acquires the facilities and features associated with data center functionality, especially advanced security, excellent infrastructure and disaster recovery plan.

Costs reduction
Using VDI services eliminates a lot of hardware costs. The desktop can be accessed from any device, so companies can use the hardware they have used so far. This saves hardware costs and does not have to be replaced with modern devices. Therefore, for one purpose can be used laptop, thin client, smartphone or tablet.

 

Conclusion

VDI technology is a suitable solution for larger companies that already have built their own infrastructure, so they can use existing resources to deploy this solution. For large companies is also an advantage that all data are stored in its own data center. However, when deciding to deploy this solution, the platform used by the company is also very important.

Depending on this is then set up the correct licensing, which ultimately also depends on the resulting price of the solution. VDI solutions market leaders include VMWare, Microsoft and Citrix.
 


See also:

News in VMware vSphere 6.7 Part 1