Why do businesses need Hosted Virtual Desktop?
What is VDI?
At its simplest, Cloud Hosted Virtual Desktop is the virtualisation of a user's desktop on a centralised server instead of using resources via a device like a laptop, PC or workstation. VDI still requires a user to have a device to access the virtualised desktop operating system, but the workloads remain on the centralised server. This means that the only data the user typically receives is the input and output data sent and received via a keyboard, mouse and display.
What are the benefits?
Flexibility – Virtual Desktop Windows 10 allows users to access their desktop from almost anywhere on any device as long as
that user has an internet connection. VDI provides the flexibilty for users to not only work from outside of the office, but in scenarios where it is difficult to set-up due to limited access or time. Examples include working within a 3rd party site where access may be limited, having a number of people temporarily assigned at different times to work, or for projects that only run for a short period or require a quick set-up.
Access and Compatibility – because VDI only sends basic input and output data, it can be accessed on almost any device (depending on the VDI platform) eg mobiles, tablets, single-board computers like a Raspberry Pi, thin clients, Chromebook or a standard home machine. Due to the fact that VDI is accessible on almost any device, it allows you to access software that wouldn’t normally be available to you. An example would be using VDI to access Windows based software on a Mac like Autodesk Revit.
Collaboration – by moving workloads to a centralised location, users can collaborate on files across multiple sites as if they were in the same office sitting next to each other. This can be particularly useful on large file applications like those used within an architectural design practice or remote sites where access and devices are limited eg construction sites.
Security – as stated, VDI only sends basic input and output data so sensitive company and customer data never leaves the VDI environment. This makes VDI inherently secure as not only does it still contain all the standard security models that a desktop has like anti-virus, restricted access, sandboxing, it also means that company data is not sent down the network connection.
Management – managing physical desktop machines can be a real headache as you have to consider hardware and system model requirements. VDI can help reduce this management by allowing you to package up specific applications which users can access individually as if they were installed on their local desktop. Not having to worry about different hardware or system models also helps with a standard driver incorporated across the VDI estate.
To know more about VDI vs RDS visit CloudDesktopOnline.