VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) - An Architectural Overview
Managing desktops is considered the most challenging task that IT managers deal with on a day to day basis. Because of this, the ability to have an infrastructure in place that can manage these environments from one central location can have an incredible benefit for a company of any size.
VDI is an acronym that has been buzzing around the IT world, meaning Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. Years ago the idea behind VDI was considered impractical and exorbitant for companies that were not leading global organizations. Today, there have been several innovative advances in hardware and the overall approach to VDI that make it an affordable solution that is easily deployed throughout organizations of any size. VDI is a solution that integrates hardware, software and management tools that act as a replacement for your standard desktop environments.
VDI has a basic architecture, and is comprised of five components; virtualization being the key :
- Thin Client / End-User Access
- - a lightweight device that can boot and manage remote connectivity technologies
- Connection Broker
- - manages the user connection with the virtualized machines
- Virtualized Remote Machine (Windows XP, Vista, Linux etc.)
- - end-user virtual machine
- Virtual Server (Hyper-V, Citrix XenApp or VMWare ESXi)
- - software that allows the hosting of virtual machines
- Management Tools
- - when choosing a management toolset, you want to make sure that they are simple to use
With all solutions come advantages and disadvantages. Below is a list of some advantages and disadvantages that companies will have to review before implementing a VDI environment:
Advantages
- Minimizes Operational Expenses with centralized management
- Simplified Desktop Security
- Reduce Hardware Costs
- Leverage the latest mobile devices
- Improved Data Protection
- Reduce Energy Costs
- Increased Resource Efficiencies
- Constant Uptime
- Quick and Easy new user set-up
Disadvantages
- Reliance on internal connectivity
- Cost associated with the initial deployment
- Does not always work with Legacy Software
- Can't guarantee outside of office bandwidth is sufficient
According to a study that Forrester conducted, the deployment of a VDI solution can help eliminate up to 80% of an IT Manager's workload, this then resulting in minimizing costs associated to support as well as freeing up valuable time to work on other critical elements within the organization.
VDI solutions are becoming more widespread as we move further into the future. There are several vendors that are currently offering VDI solutions that work with the current market leading platforms such as VMWare, Citrix and Microsoft. It is important that you work with a solution provider to help you choose the products that work best for your organization; Dynamic Computer Corporation has more than 30 years of expertise in providing our customers with the latest technologies to improve their internal practices. With access to all products and solutions available, DCC can be your trusted advisor for everything VDI.
Call or email Dynamic to learn more about our enterprise IT procurement services or RFID solutions.
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