What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?

This blog will explore the basics of VDI, compare it to Remote Desktop Services (RDS), discuss its costs, and answer important questions about IT management, user experience, security, scalability, and user resistance.

Taking a Deeper Look at Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is a technology that virtualizes desktop environments, allowing users to access them over a network. Instead of running desktop operating systems and applications on individual devices, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure runs them on centralized servers in a data center. Users interact with a virtual desktop through a thin client, laptop, tablet, or even a mobile phone, with the processing and storage done on the server side. VDI has two main types:

Persistent Virtual Desktop Infrastructure – Users have a personalized desktop experience that saves all customizations and data. Every time they log in, they return to the same virtual desktop.

Non-persistent VDI – A pool of virtual desktops is created, and users are assigned one upon login. Once they log off, the desktop reverts to its original state, and no changes are saved.

VDI Solutions vs. Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Though Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and RDS both allow remote desktop access, they differ in architecture, management, and use cases. Here’s how the two compare:

VDI: In a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure environment, users get a dedicated virtual machine (VM) that runs its own operating system (usually Windows). This provides users with a more isolated and personalized experience.

RDS: Remote Desktop Services (RDS) allows multiple users to share a single server’s operating system and applications. Instead of each user having a dedicated VM, users share the resources of one or more servers.

When To Choose Virtual Desktop Infrastructure vs. RDS

Choose VDI if your users need highly customized desktops or are running applications that require isolation.

Choose RDS if your users have similar needs and can work within a shared environment, as it’s more affordable and requires less hardware.

What Are the Upfront and Ongoing Costs?

Implementing a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solution requires a significant upfront investment. However, costs can vary depending on several factors, including hardware, software, licensing, and ongoing management.

Upfront Costs

Infrastructure: Setting up a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure environment requires powerful servers capable of running multiple virtual machines simultaneously. You’ll also need storage infrastructure, network equipment, and potentially upgrading your internet connectivity to support remote access.

Licensing: VDI typically requires licensing for virtualization software (such as VMware or Citrix), operating systems, and applications. Additionally, Microsoft VDI licensing can be complex and may require a combination of Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) and Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) licenses.

Setup and Deployment: Implementing VDI requires experienced professionals to properly configure the servers, networks, and virtual environments. Whether handled in-house or outsourced, the planning and initial deployment will have costs.

Ongoing Costs

Maintenance: VDI environments require regular maintenance, including software updates, patches, security monitoring, and hardware upkeep. This may involve internal IT staff or outsourced support services.

Licensing and Software Updates: Ongoing software and licensing costs will continue, as operating systems, applications, and virtualization platforms are updated.

Scalability: As your organization grows and adds more users, the VDI infrastructure may need to scale. This could mean purchasing additional servers, storage, or licensing.

Can My Existing IT Team Manage VDI Effectively?

Managing a VDI environment can be more complex than managing traditional desktop infrastructure. With the right training and resources, an experienced IT team can certainly handle it.

4 Key Considerations for IT Teams

Virtualization Expertise: If your IT team has experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Citrix, they’ll have the foundational knowledge required to manage a VDI environment.

Monitoring and Maintenance: VDI environments require continuous monitoring to ensure performance and availability. Your IT team must manage resource allocation, ensure high availability, and monitor server performance to prevent bottlenecks.

Security Management: Given VDI’s centralized nature, your IT team will need to prioritize security by implementing access controls, monitoring for vulnerabilities, and ensuring that users have secure connections, especially when accessing desktops remotely.

User Support: With VDI, IT teams will need to manage user profiles and troubleshoot desktop environments. This may introduce new layers of complexity compared to managing physical desktops.

Will VDI Impact User Experience?

A common concern with VDI is whether it will negatively affect the user experience compared to traditional desktops. The answer largely depends on the quality of your infrastructure and the specific needs of your users.

3 Benefits for Users

Consistency Across Devices: With VDI, users can log in from any device and access the same desktop environment. This creates a seamless experience for employees who work remotely or use multiple devices throughout the day.

Performance: When properly configured, VDI can provide a performance experience equal to or even better than traditional desktops. High-performance servers can allocate resources dynamically to virtual desktops.

Accessibility: VDI allows employees to work from any location with internet access, enhancing flexibility and improving work-life balance.

Lock down your infrastructure with First Class Connection’s wide range of solutions.

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Is VDI Secure Enough for Remote Access?

Security is a top priority for any organization, and remote work can introduce additional vulnerabilities. Fortunately, VDI can enhance security by centralizing data and keeping sensitive information within the data center rather than on individual devices.

Security Benefits of VDI

Centralized Data: Since data never leaves the server, the risk of data loss or theft from lost or compromised devices is minimized.

Controlled Access: VDI allows administrators to control who can access virtual desktops and set granular permissions.

Patching and Updates: With VDI, patches and updates can be applied to all virtual desktops simultaneously, so every user is protected against vulnerabilities without relying on individual updates.

How Do I Handle User Resistance?

Whenever new technology is introduced, there’s always the potential for user resistance. Some employees may be reluctant to transition to VDI, especially if they’re used to traditional desktops.

3 Strategies for Overcoming Resistance

Provide Training: Offering comprehensive training on using VDI can alleviate fears and help users feel more confident. Highlight the benefits of VDI, such as remote access, improved performance, and increased flexibility.

Focus on User Experience: Invest in the necessary infrastructure to support smooth performance and prioritize user feedback to make improvements.

Gradual Rollout: Instead of moving everyone to VDI all at once, consider a phased approach where you transition certain departments or teams first. This allows time to address any issues that arise and builds confidence in the system.

Implement VDI Solutions With First Class Connection at Your Side

At First Class Connection, we bring expertise and innovation to your VDI implementation. From deployment to ongoing support, we make sure your virtual desktops are secure, scalable, and efficient. Let us handle the technical details while you focus on growing your business!