What is desktop virtualization?
Desktop virtualization is a technique that permits the creation and storage of several desktops for users on one host, which is housed in the data center or the cloud. This accomplishes through a hypervisor that sits over the host server hardware, allowing virtual desktops to benefit from the computing power of the hardware of the server that runs them. The hypervisor makes VMs that emulate the desktop environments of the user. These can contain different operating platforms, applications, customized settings, and user data. Users can remotely access and manage desktops from any device.
Desktop virtualization allows users to manage their desktops individually in a single central server. Users may connect to the main server via either a LAN or WAN connection or the Internet.
How Does Desktop Virtualization Work?
Various methods can accomplish the virtualization of desktops; however, there are two primary varieties based on whether your operating system runs locally or remotely. Local desktop virtualization operates using the OS on a client device by using hardware virtualization. The entire processing and workload perform on local hardware. Local desktop virtualization can work effectively when users don’t require an ongoing network connection. It also meets the requirements of applications by using locally-based system resources. However, processing can perform locally, and you can’t use local desktop virtualization to transfer VMs or resources over networks with thin users (users) and mobile gadgets. Remote desktop virtualization operates in a server-based computing environment. It allows users to run applications and use systems via servers. However, all interactions with users perform on a device like tablets, laptops, or mobile.
Desktop Virtualization Types:
Which virtualization technology should you use to set up a virtual desktop infrastructure? Let’s examine the three most common desktop virtualization deployment methods so you can select which kind of virtualization to utilize to give your team and users the finest virtual desktop experience.
1. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
By dividing the servers into many virtual computers, a virtualized environment is created using the VDI, or virtual desktop infrastructure, technology (VMs). The client operating system (OS) and specific applications operate on a virtual machine in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). The user can access the desktops and underlying apps like a physical machine.
VDI gives each user dedicated storage on the VM with specific vCPU, RAM, and memory— to operate from Hypervisor, a software layer that runs the virtual machine.
2. Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
Through a shared virtual machine, any Remote Desktop Services (RDS) user can access their Windows desktop sessions from a distance. Users are not separated in this case, and a shared VM is being used by several users, which lowers hardware or infrastructure utilization. In addition, RDS, formerly Microsoft Terminal Services, enables hassle-free remote working.
RDS is not scalable, despite having a more superficial appearance and being less expensive than VDI or DaaS. Additionally, there are better choices for high-performance app operations. Users may need a more user-friendly experience while using a shared VM hosted by remote desktop servers.
3. Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
Virtual desktops are hosted on the cloud of a third-party provider using a technology called Desktop as a Service (DaaS). In essence, DaaS is a managed version of VDI that uses cloud hosting to provide all the advantages of virtual desktops.
DaaS provides cloud-hosted virtual desktops with pre-installed programs and tools that end users can use from their devices, unlike on-premise VDI. In addition, virtual desktops and programs are managed for you by a third-party cloud hosting company, from implementation through updates.
Your applications and data are kept in data centers operated by providers using top-notch security procedures when you use DaaS. It also helps you decrease your on-premise infrastructure and provides on-demand scalability at a low cost. In addition, you can switch your expenses from CapEx to OpEx by taking advantage of the pay-as-you-go models that providers offer.
Benefits of Desktop Virtualization
Secure Mobile Application Access
Many SMBs allow workers to work remotely or after hours using their own devices, but provisioning them may be time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, enabling workers to provide their own devices exposes the business to security threats. However, virtualized desktops enable hardware-based GPU sharing through a secure connection from any device, even on high-latency, low-bandwidth networks like hotel room WiFi, allowing employees to access even high-performance applications.
Flexibility
Fewer types of desktops can be provided to users by businesses using desktop virtualization, eliminating the need to set up individual computers for each worker. In addition, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) makes it simpler for the business to onboard new hires with only a few mouse clicks because it can deploy so fast. The ideal virtualization system will enable an administrator to customize and control desktops from a single interface without going down to individual desktops.
Simple Maintenance
Additionally, desktop maintenance is made simpler with virtualized desktops. The desktop can reset once the employee logs off from the computer at the end of the day, erasing any downloaded programs or changes they might have made. This not only keeps software and customizations from making the computer sluggish, but it also offers a simple way to troubleshoot. For example, if the system freezes, the worker only needs to reboot to get their desktop back.
Desktop defense
Employees downloading software or other potentially harmful goods (like PowerPoint presentations with adorable kittens — and viruses) is a concern that most SMBs encounter. With desktop virtualization, the administrator can configure permissions to stop these Trojan-horse-carrying documents from staying on the system. This offers, quite simply, peace of mind and ease of maintenance costs.
Lower Costs
Reduced costs for the firm are the common thread connecting these advantages. Cost reductions on apps alone result from the decreased software license requirements. Companies also save money in the IT department since managing PCs and solving user issues requires fewer staff members. Finally, SMBs also save cash on significant support concerns like malware removal.
