Lockdown caused major issues to businesses during the pandemic. Suddenly, companies had to figure out how to function, while their employees were working from home. One of the main issues was finding a way to get their workforce the setup they needed. It highlighted that the traditional office setup of desks with workstations on them aren’t always the best setup for businesses. Instead, the move to using a vdi virtual desktop would be far better suited to the needs of the company now and in the future.
What is a VDI, or a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?
Instead of having a physical computer, it creates a virtual machine that would include specific software and functions. This in effect creates an on-demand desktop that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. These VDI’s are hosted on servers and can be accessed via an application which allows users to login to these virtual machines on any desktop, laptop, tablet or even a phone. VDI’s also come in two forms: persistent and non-persistent. A persistent VDI allows users to have their own setup; when they login they would have a customisable desktop and whatever they change will be saved. A non-persistent VDI is different; user’s login to one of many identical desktop images. This means that they cannot be altered by the user and when they logout the VDI reverts to its original state.
The Key Benefits of VDI.
Security: Cyber attacks and theft are big issues for any business but VDI’s help on both fronts. The desktops are hosted on servers and not on individual devices. This allows for extra security, so servers are far more secure than your standard desktop. If a laptop, or tablet, etc. were to be stolen there would be no danger to your confidential information because the VDI is held on a server. All you have to do is terminate that device’s ability to connect to the server.
Financially: With technology evolving at an ever-increasing rate, keeping your IT up to date and up to speed with all the systems and software required can be very expense, not to mention time consuming. With VDI this limits the number of upgrades you need as the processing power is mainly done on the server, not the device. Because you don’t need much processing power for the user, it allows for them to be able to use a tablet or a phone to work.
Management: As the VDI’s are held on a central server, it allows IT to easily update, fix, patch and change all desktops at the same time. Gone are the days of having to go around to every PC and go through the process of updating every single computer.
Summary
In conclusion, VDI’s are a massive asset to any business. Companies that had this set up when the pandemic hit were easily able to transition to home working; they saved money and it allowed their businesses to carry on functioning with little disruption.