Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is basically a technology that allows for virtualisation of machines to provide employees with a virtual desktop environment. Since VDI has a preconfigured image of an operating system, the applications on it can be accessed from anywhere and from any compatible device. The technology is being increasingly preferred by businesses as it is supported by a desktop disaster recovery strategy, which means all the data on the desktop is automatically backed up.
Moreover, with no data being stored on the user’s device, the risk of potential compromise and retrieval of critical data significantly diminishes in the event of device loss. Different types of desktop virtualization setups vary depending on factors such as whether the virtual desktop operates remotely or locally, the frequency of access required, and whether the virtual desktop remains persistent between sessions. Often, software offerings for desktop virtualization can integrate both local and remote approaches within a single product, catering to specific needs and requirements effectively.
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Why is VDI Used by Businesses?
Virtual desktop infrastructure finds utility across various settings, with several specific scenarios tailored to its advantages:
- Remote work: The technology simplifies the deployment and management of virtual desktops, making it increasingly popular among companies with remote staff.
- Bring your own device (BYOD): VDI suits environments embracing BYOD policies, enabling a broader device range for employees. Centralized processing enhances security by storing data on servers rather than individual devices.
- Task or shift work: Nonpersistent VDI suits organizations like call centers, where numerous employees perform similar tasks using standardized software.
What Are the Benefits of VDI?
The technology has numerous benefits to offer, as it serves as a method for resource sharing, facilitating the distribution of affordable desktop computing services in situations where furnishing each user with a dedicated desktop PC proves either prohibitively expensive or redundant. Some of the benefits that it has to offer are as follows:
- VDI allows organizations to scale their IT infrastructure seamlessly as their needs evolve, making it a valuable tool for growth.
- Transforms traditional workspaces into virtualized, efficient environments, emphasizing improved productivity and flexibility.
- VDI offers scalability and adaptability making it suitable for businesses looking to invest in long-term technology solutions.
- Facilitates remote work, providing employees with secure access to their virtual desktops and applications from anywhere, supporting the modern work environment.
- VDI can provide a robust defense against cyber threats and data breaches.
Why VDI Could Especially Be Beneficial for Growing Businesses
Growing businesses face various challenges as they expand oprations. These challenges may include increased IT complexity, rising hardware costs, and the need for enhanced scalability. Some of the benefits VDI offers to such organisations are:
- Cost-effective solution for expanding IT infrastructure.
- Traditional approaches have various limitations such as the need for constant hardware upgrades. Here, VDI could serve as a cost-effective alternative.
- VDI streamlines IT management, reducing operational costs, and making it easier for IT professionals to manage and support the infrastructure.
- VDI offers various environmental benefits by reducing the need for physical hardware and lowering energy consumption.
