For some time now, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has been heralded as a breakthrough technology that enables companies to advance their IT infrastructure. In the IT community, “What is a VDI and how it works” is a topic that comes up frequently. Most people asking this question are genuinely interested in learning how the solution functions. Fundamentally, the platform builds virtual machines, often known as virtual computers, which are servers that house desktop operating systems, applications, and data instead of individual personal computers.
You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re considering integrating virtual desktop infrastructure into your infrastructure. However, you are apprehensive about the potential outcomes and the implementation process. Before starting a VDI project, this blog tries to assist you in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of VDIs.
So, continue reading and exploring to learn what VDI desktop is and all you need to know about this cutting-edge technology.
Table of Contents
What is a VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)?
VDI is a state-of-the-art technology that provides and manages virtual desktops using virtual computers. A virtual desktop is a preset representation of an operating system and its apps that can become accessible from any suitable device instead of being limited to a particular physical device. Desktop environments using Virtual Desktop Infrastructure may be hosted on a single server and made available to users as needed.
Virtual desktop infrastructure benefits include centralized administration, enhanced security, and adaptable desktop access to resources from many devices and locations. A centralized server may be transformed into a desktop-like environment with the help of virtual desktop infrastructure technology.
To be clear, virtual machines operate through actual hardware! A VM partitions parts of an actual physical server so that numerous independent VMs can use the same physical hardware. In contrast, a typical computer has specialized hardware. This procedure, often called server virtualization, uses a clever piece of software referred to as a hypervisor, which unifies the virtual “hardware” of the virtual machine with its actual hardware. Let’s know how it works in understanding ‘what is a VDI.’
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How Does VDI Work?
Compared to remote desktop settings, VDI systems can be more sophisticated as they rely on vast collections of virtual machines (VMs) that operate on top of hypervisor software. With virtual machines (VMs) running desktop computer operating systems (OS) like Windows, Linux, or other software, virtual data centers (VDI) leverage server hardware to host desktop operating systems OS on a centralized server.
Persistent and nonpersistent virtual desktops are the two main varieties cloud providers offer; each has benefits for specific use cases.
A certain amount of customizing is possible with a nonpersistent virtual desktop, but it keeps the personalization layer from the operating system. Because of this, any user may log in to any virtual machine and receive a customized experience; however, the personalization is just temporary and disappears when the user logs out. Nonpersistent desktop virtualization is suitable for understanding and tasking workers in settings like computer laboratories, call centers, or retail kiosks since they provide a cheaper cost per user. Now, we will discuss the two major types of VDI in knowing ‘what is a VDI’ in 2024.
What Are The Two Major Types of VDI Desktop?
Here are the two major types of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure:
Persistent VDI
Every time a user logs in, persistent virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) reserves a permanent VDI resource for them. This allows users to customize their virtual desktops with screensavers, shortcuts, and password storage. You can also save the files to the desktop by end users.
The following are some advantages of persistent desktops:
- End users can personalize their virtual desktops with persistent virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), as each distinct desktop is assigned an image.
- The majority of end users anticipate being able to save files, shortcuts, and customized data. Information professionals, in particular, need to grasp this because they often work with stored files. Persistent VDI provides a degree of familiarity not provided by nonpersistent VDI.
Now, we will talk about nonpersistent VDI in our ‘What is a VDI’ guide.
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Nonpersistent VDI
When a user logs in, nonpersistent Virtual Desktop Infrastructure spins up a new image. It provides several advantages, such as:
- Simple administration. Compared to administering a whole virtual desktop for every user, it has a considerably smaller number of master images to manage and protect.
- Reduced capacity for storing. The OS and user data are kept apart with nonpersistent VDI access, which lowers storage expenses.
- Limited customization and flexibility are the most often mentioned downsides of nonpersistent virtual desktops.
- While nonpersistent VDI offers fewer customization options, it may still include a method to attach programs, user profiles, and other data at startup. As a result, nonpersistent VDI gives the user access to a primary picture with personalized adjustments.
- A persistent virtual desktop is a viable solution for users who need elevated rights, such as developers and experts, since it offers the required permanent environment.
Now we will discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of the VDI in knowing ‘What is a VDI?’
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Advantages and Disadvantages of VDI
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using VDI:
Advantages
- The User May Access Data From Any Location
With your virtual desktop, you can access all your data from anywhere, no matter where you work. You may thus work from home or a coffee shop inside a safe structure for your company’s data.
- Bring Your Device (BYOD)
One type of endpoint is not mandatory to access your VDI infrastructure. Consequently, you can utilize whatever device—mobile, PC, thin client, etc.—that best fits you and have consistent access to your data across all platforms.
- Utilize Remote Control Over Your Infrastructure
When using local desktops, updating, troubleshooting, managing settings, and performing other tasks require physical device management. You may remotely manage every gadget from anywhere by going virtual.
- Remote Access
Employees may easily access all their data and apps and perform tasks remotely globally by connecting to their virtual desktop Infrastructure (VDI) from any device or location.
- Savings On Costs
The server handles all of the processing. Thus, end devices need far less hardware. Thin clients, tablets, and outdated devices may all access virtual desktops, saving IT money on new, pricey hardware purchases.
- It Is Very Safe And Hard To Hack
In a virtual desktop environment (VDI), the desktop on your screen is only available for reading; you cannot install or update any software or modify any settings. Therefore, in most situations, the administrator has complete control over anything (updates and patches, installing new apps, etc.).
- Making Employment Possible In The Future
Companies have switched to either remote or hybrid work because of the epidemic. Workers have high standards for flexible work arrangements as well. Without question, remote employment will dominate the workplace of the future. What is a VDI? VDI is a means to establish this flexible working atmosphere, whether you want to offer secure remote work to your staff or draw in fresh talent by showcasing your flexible work rules.
Disadvantages
The following are some possible disadvantages of using VDI:
- Potentially Terrible User Experience
Giving the user access to two desktops—the local desktop and the virtualization desktop—may be confusing and lead to a worse user experience if the user is not trained correctly. Users could look for a file in the wrong place, for instance, if they try to save it from the virtual desktop. More support requests to locate missing files that were merely saved on the wrong desktop can arise from this.
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- Extra Expenses
Organizations must thoroughly examine the finances related to VDI. Extending the life of endpoint hardware can save money, but there may be unexpected expenditures connected with increased IT infrastructure requirements, staff, licensing, and other issues.
- Time Lag
Applications that need a lot of resources to run, such as graphic or video conferencing tools, might cause a delay that degrades the user experience.
- Concerns With Licensing
Software licensing is a crucial factor to take into account. Continuing maintenance and support contracts impact the financial result in addition to the original VDI licensing purchase. Additionally, licensing for Microsoft Windows workstations and servers is necessary and might incur additional costs. Because some license and support agreements prohibit sharing software across many devices or users, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can make vendor software distribution and support more complex.
- Security Issues With Endpoints
In the event of a VDI infrastructure, network hacking is still uncommon but a possibility. However, threats can still target the local workstation even with centrally strengthened data security. A thin client workstation is one possibility to consider when securing data access over the local workstation. Now, we will discuss the essential components of VDI in our “What is a VDI” comprehensive guide.
Fundamental Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Components
The delivery of virtual desktops to end users is made possible by the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which comprises many essential parts. Let’s examine the fundamental elements of it:
- Hypervisor
A hypervisor is software that conceptually divides a host or bare-metal server into smaller logical units known as virtual machines. In addition, it facilitates resource sharing across virtual machines established on the host server, including memory and manufacturing, and administers the virtual machines on the host server.
- Broker of Connections
Users can connect to desktop instances using a software application called a connection broker. It is also in charge of transporting users to their desktop sessions and authenticating them.
The connection broker likewise monitors the active and inactive PCs. It gives the user access to an idle desktop instance when they submit a request to connect to a desktop. The state has a change to inactive when a user disconnects the desktop.
- Computerized Pools
A desktop pool is a collection of comparable desktops that may be set for a particular purpose. For example, various apps and setups are used on desktop computers in office departments such as accounting and IT. The accounting division may need applications, including Sage or QuickBooks, which aren’t necessarily necessary for IT. A desktop pool with a comparable setup is a match for these departments.
- Internet
Users must have continuous internet access to create a secure connection using VDI. The end-user connection will be lost if the internet is down since the user’s endpoint cannot link to the host server. Now, it is time to discuss the final section of our “What is a VDI” guide which is the implementation of VDI.
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How Do You implement VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)?
Larger businesses should consider deploying VDI in a human-computer interaction context when planning its rollout, as HCI’s high performance and scalability complement the resource requirements of VDI. However, for enterprises that need fewer than 100 virtual desktops, deploying HCI for VDI is probably not essential (and could become quite costly).
When deploying VDI, there are several best practices to adhere to in addition to infrastructural considerations:
- Prevent Underprovisioning: Use a performance tracking application to estimate your capacity in advance and determine your total resource consumption requirements. This will help you understand how much resources each virtual desktop uses.
- Recognize the Needs of Your End Users: Do your users task workers who can operate from a standard desktop, or do they require the ability to customize their desktops? (Put another way, is a Nonpersistent or persistent VDI arrangement more appropriate for your organization?) What performance needs do your users have? Users who utilize graphics-intensive programs and only need a link to the internet or a few essential apps will require different setup configurations.
- Conduct a Pilot Test: To ensure you’ve provisioned your resources appropriately, it’s vital to test the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure installation beforehand using the testing tools most virtualization companies offer.
Conclusion
So, you must clearly understand what is a VDI and what it means. Even while VDI environments are becoming increasingly common, not all businesses can afford the financial and human resources required for their implementation. AVD and other DaaS solutions might become a suitable fit for smaller companies. One crucial factor to deliberate, regardless of your preference for DaaS or VDI, is the endpoint to access the virtual desktop. Comment below your queries about what is a VDI is and get the best response from our professional team accordingly! Moreover, you can use one of the best and most affordable RDS Plans in the USA!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q#1 What Is An Example Of A VDI?
Oracle VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) and VMware Horizon are a few instances of VDI software. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure, Citrix Virtual Applications, and Desktops are further VDI technologies.
Q#2 What Is The Difference between VDI And VM?
As separate virtualization technologies, VDI and VM have similarities and differences. While virtualized hardware (VMs) allows many operating systems to run on a single server, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) makes virtual desktops housed in servers in data centers more accessible to use.
Q#3 Why Is VDI Used?
Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI, is an IT infrastructure that enables you to connect to enterprise computer systems from nearly any device, including a tablet, smartphone, or personal computer. It eliminates the need for your business to provide you with an actual computer and to control, repair, and substitute it.