Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that allows IT managers to create and manage virtual desktops on centralized servers. Users can access these virtual desktops on any device (thin clients, personal computers, or smartphones) and perform their tasks as they would in a traditional workstation.

The primary advantage of a virtual desktop infrastructure is its ability to offer users access to the company’s resources without a traditional physical desktop setup. This allows organizations to manage remote teams cost-effectively, flexibly, and scalable.

Breaking Down VDI

Here are the basic components that make up a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI):

Centralized Server

A centralized server is responsible for hosting virtual desktops. It has all the resources, including the CPU, memory, and storage, necessary to allow the smooth functioning of multiple desktop instances simultaneously.

Hypervisor

Hypervisor is a software solution that segments the centralized server into smaller units, virtual machines. The Hypervisor helps manage all the virtual machines on the server and enables sharing resources (processing power, memory, storage, etc).

Connection Broker

A connection broker is a program responsible for connecting the users to the available desktop instances. It authenticates the users and sends them to their respective desktop instances.

The connection broker tracks the status of active and inactive desktops. If a user sends a connection request, the broker assigns them an idle instance. When the user goes offline, the status is changed to inactive.

Endpoint Devices

Endpoint devices are the physical hardware through which the users connect to their virtual desktops on their organization’s centralized server. These devices communicate with the centralized server through a remote desktop protocol or software.

Examples of endpoint devices include thin clients, smartphones, laptops, or personal desktops.

Network Connection

A robust and reliable network connection is essential for users to connect to the desktop instance. Without the internet, the endpoint device won’t be able to communicate with the centralized server, disrupting operations.

Why VDI is Important

Here are the benefits of VDI:

Enhances Security

Because of its centralized and isolated nature, the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) eliminates the need to store sensitive company data locally on client devices. This helps minimize the risk of threats, as even if the client device is compromised, no data exists locally.

Centralizes IT Management

As all the desktop instances exist on a centralized server in a VDI, IT admins can configure their networks, add users, install apps, tweak security settings, and perform other actions from a centralized location. This saves IT teams a lot of time and effort, which can be invested in more important tasks.

Enables Remote Access

Regarding remote work solutions, virtual desktop infrastructure seems like a perfect option for organizations. VDI solutions allow employees to access the company’s apps and data on any device (personal computer, think clients, or even smartphones), enabling a smooth remote work environment.

Examples of VDI in Practice

Here are some practical use cases of virtual desktop infrastructure:

Organizations with a Remote Workforce

Remote working has become the new normal. However, because acquiring the right devices and maintaining/upgrading them for each remote employee is financially and logistically challenging, organizations are leaning towards VDI.

Using VDI, organizations can easily deploy virtual desktops and handle updates/upgrades from a central location, substantially reducing the logistical and financial toll. This can help IT teams manage large remote teams with the least possible effort.

Call Centers and Public Computer Libraries

Organizations like computer libraries and call centers must cater to numerous users who need the same software program to perform basic computing tasks. And virtual desktop infrastructure is well-suited for this use case.

Challenges in Implementing VDI

Here are some challenges organizations may come across when implementing VDI:

High Upfront Costs

While VDI solutions can save organizations money in the long run, they can be expensive initially. For instance, organizations must invest in robust server and network infrastructure and software licensing upfront, which can add to the costs.

Network Dependency

A robust network is essential for virtual desktop infrastructure to function. Otherwise, data transmission can be delayed, leading to performance issues. Also, if the network is lost, users will lose access to the apps, data, and other resources, impacting the workflow.

Deployment Issues

Deploying VDI in an organization requires a special skill set, which is rare yet in high demand. This makes the implementation process more challenging and expensive.

Security Issues

While the fact that data is stored on centralized servers makes VDI solutions more secure, there is still the risk of data breaches. How? 

Users might try to access the company’s resources through endpoint devices by connecting them to unsecured WiFi networks, which can make the data prone to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Alternatives to VDI

Here are some alternatives to VDI:

Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS)

Also known as the VDI in the cloud, DaaS involves a third-party contractor that creates and manages virtual desktops and environments and handles support on the organization’s behalf.

DaaS allows organizations to rent out virtual desktops without building the infrastructure or owning a centralized server. Moreover, this solution scales with the organization.

In a nutshell, DaaS is a more affordable, flexible, and scalable solution than VDI.

Traditional Desktops

Traditional desktops are regular workstations equipped with their own local storage, RAM, CPU, and GPU. These devices function independently without ever needing a centralized server or network connection.

However, traditional desktops can be expensive to acquire, maintain, and upgrade. After all, the organization will have to buy and ship customized hardware to each employee (in a remote setting). Also, maintenance would require physical visits, making it challenging for the IT teams.

FAQs

How does VDI improve security for remote work?

One essential concern for organizations with a remote workforce is maintaining security, as important company data is often stored locally. 

However, with VDI, the data is stored on a centralized server. If the local device is compromised, the data won’t most likely be impacted as it does not exist on the device in the first place.

Even if a user tries to upload malicious code or data to the server, they will fail because the server’s firewall will not let them.

Can I connect VDI to laptop?

Yes, you can access a virtual desktop environment on your laptop, provided you have the right application. For instance, you can use Windows Remote Desktop app to access a Windows VDI. 

Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Open the Windows Remote Desktop app.
• Click the + Add button (top right).
• Select the PCs option.
• Enter the IP address you were given in the PC name field.
• Now, enter the username and the password.
• Click Save to generate your VDI account on your laptop.
• The VDI desktop connection you set up will appear as an icon in the Remote Desktop window. 
• Double-click this icon to connect.