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Solutions › Desktop Virtualisation

VIRTUAL DESKTOP INFRASTRUCTURE OVERVIEW

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or "VDI", is a term used for a new approach to the management of user desktops in the enterprise.

Typically, the VDI concept works by separating the desktop hardware and software, and encapsulating the operating system and applications in a virtual machine (VM), however the term is often also applied to centralised 'blade' PC's or similar data-center based workstations or even traditional thin-client solutions.

There are a number of vendor approaches to the VDI concept, with differing Hypervisors, brokers or end-client device client etc. add3 has extensive experience with the solutions from a range of vendors (some of which are listed below) and are ideally placed to help you choose the right technologies for your particular requirements.

• Citrix (XenDesktop)
• Sun Microsystems (VDI)
• VMware (VDI)
• Parallels (Containers)
• Quest (Provision Networks)

BENEFITS OF VDI

The centralised, secure environment provides a number of benefits including:

• . Instant provisioning of new desktops
• . Near-zero downtime in the event of hardware failures
• . Significant reduction in the cost of new application deployment
• Simplified DR capabilities
• Robust desktop image/patch management capabilities
• Normal 2-3 year PC refresh cycle extended to 5-6 years or more
• Existing desktop-like performance including multiple monitors, bi-directional audio/video, streaming video, USB support etc.
• Ability to access the users' enterprise desktop environment from any PC, (including the employee's home PC)
• Desktop computing power on demand
• Multiple desktops on demand
• Self provisioning of desktops (controlled by policies)
• Zero downtime in the event of client failure

COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGIES

When combined with Application Virtualisation, User Environment Management and on-demand OS provisioning, VDI can deliver a truly dynamic and personalised environment for your users.

In addition, VDI can be used alongside traditional thin-client systems in instances where users require elevated privileges, the ability to install/configure their own software or have a specific requirement for a single-user operating system (Windows XP or Vista for example).

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