Desktop virtualisation

What is Desktop Virtualisation?

Desktop Virtualisation is a set of technologies which create a consistent and managed Standard Operating Environment (SOE), in which applications are deployed.

Several technologies can be defined as Desktop Virtualisation, including Server-Based Computing, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and Client Hypervisors.

All of these approaches use virtualisation to separate the user's Standard Operating Environment so that it works independently from the end-point device.

The technologies in more detail

Server-based (or Thin Client) computing separates the user's SOE by executing the application on a central server. It then presents the application remotely so that the user can interact with the application from a remote device.

Desktop Virtualisation Infrastructure (VDI) lets users connect to a centrally hosted SOE running on a server hypervisor. Users connect via a remote protocol and are directed to pooled or static desktops.

Client Hypervisors separate the device hardware from the client image deployed. By visualising the hardware level and giving a consistent hardware footprint, a single consistent SOE can be deployed to run applications.

Separating the user's SOE from their end point device gives application \ device independence, and greater flexibility for managing and deploying desktop images.

Virtualising the desktop operating system has many benefits, such as creating a consistent desktop image that can be easily managed on a day-to-day basis, and providing a flexible roadmap for future operating system upgrades.

Have a question about how these technologies might be best deployed in your business? Talk to one of our consultants.