It is becoming increasingly critical in the current data-driven world to find the right computing resources for your business. The post-pandemic era demands companies to be flexible while not compromising on productivity.
One of the significant changes we saw in recent times is the shift to remote working. And with a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), collaboration across large distances has become easier than ever before.
Over the last couple of years, VDI has been increasingly prevalent across all niches. According to tech writers at EssayPro, the COVID-19 crisis has only shed more light on its potential. It is high time that businesses take advantage of technology. But before that, here is an overview of the VDI technology.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
VDI is a technology used to create a virtualized desktop environment on a remote central server. Every VDI network has a data center set up on a powerful server. Once you install the VDI app on this computer, it creates a virtual desktop that your employees can access from any device. It essentially replicates a desktop that allows them to access the hard drive.
With VDI, everyone in an organization would be using the same computer through different virtual desktops. These desktops are hosted on Virtual Machines that are controlled by a management software.
The market size of VDI is expected to grow at over 8.9% to reach US $330.4 million by the end of 2027. The impending economic recession has a significant role to play in this rise. Nevertheless, the changing landscape of small and medium-sized businesses are predicted to drive this growth.
If you find yourself still on the fence about VDI, here are some ways that it can improve your business, no matter your industry.
1. Geographical Flexibility
Having the option to be flexible on your location could undoubtedly benefit your business, be it a crisis forcing you to work from home, or having to teach an entire semester through online lessons.
VDI enables your employees to log into their workplace from the comfort of their homes. This is immensely helpful in spheres where on-site work is required, such as in construction. Instead of having your team carry around the roles of drawings, they can sign in to your server from any device to access documents.
2. Bring your Own Device
Having a VDI set up can significantly cut the cost of infrastructure and hardware installations. As the desktops are virtual, they could run on any device, even on personal computers or smartphones.
The forecast for the BYOD trend is expected to rise at a rate of 15% in the period of 2020-2025. Reports have shown that companies can save up to 11% if they switch from an EPD (Employers that Provide Devices) to a BYOD work environment. With VDI in place, making such a change might not be so challenging.
3. Security
One of the main risks of BYOD culture was the lack of security. Using multiple devices presented a perpetual threat of cyber crimes. However, VDI technology only sends basic input and output data through these external devices. No information is stored outside the server.
Furthermore, each connection to the VDI is encrypted, meaning that even if a user connects through an unsecured network, there is no threat to any data leak.
4. Desktop Pools
A virtual desktop pool is a group of virtual desktops that are hosted on identically configured virtual machines. Pooling virtual desktops allow the administrator to simplify settings configuration and centralize management.
With VDI, you can divide desktops into different domains, each forming a separate Desktop Pool. For instance, desktop pools could be categorized into marketing, accounts, and sales. Instead of configuring different hardware and software based on the department’s needs, you can create a desktop pool that has settings and software customized to the duties of each team.
5. Collaboration
By storing workloads in a centralized location, users can collaborate efficiently from multiple sites. This is particularly useful for large file applications that cannot be stored individually on separate computers.
In fields like finance and auditing, the VDI can also make the process of record-keeping easier. Even with collaborations, VDI has all data stored and saved on the same hard drive on the network.
6. Scalable Desktop
Physical desktops come with a set of specifications that would soon be their limitations. The RAM, storage, and processor could be upgraded, but at hefty costs. Even so, updating hardware might not be as feasible as upgrading the software.
VDI technology allows desktops to scale almost instantaneously. As the tech is implemented in the cloud, its flexibility enables the virtual machines to upgrade or downgrade specifications with less effort.
7. Cost
All these advantages narrow down to the consideration of the cost factor. The return of investment on VDI reduces expenditure on client devices, energy costs, and other infrastructure.
This again would depend on the company’s working model, whether they opt for EPD or BYOD. Regardless, costs related to maintenance are mostly reduced.
Things to Consider
Shifting to VDI can entirely change your office structuring. It will allow you to save time, money, and boost security along the way. No matter the size of your organization, VDI comes with the same perks and gives you the option to expand without the infrastructure being an obstacle.
That being said, you also have to be aware of its long-term implications. You have to ensure that all products you use have a proper license that applies to a virtual environment. Another important factor is a reliable network connection, which might be challenging to control if your employees are working remotely.
On the brighter side, depending on your organization, the pros might outweigh the concerns. The benefits are multifold; VDI could be the single solution that can address all your continuity, security, and accessibility needs.
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Leslie Dye
