Desktop Virtualization

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Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) refers to using VMs as a means of provisioning corporate desktops.

• desktop computers are replaced by low-spec thin client computers
• When the thin client starts, it boots a minimal OS, allowing the user to log on to a VM stored on the company server or cloud infrastructure
  • user makes a connection to the VM using some sort of remote desktop protocol
    • such as Microsoft Remote Desktop or Citrix ICA
  • thin client must locate the correct image and use an appropriate authentication mechanism
  • may be a 1:1 mapping based on machine name or IP address, or the process of finding an image may be handled by a connection broker
• All application processing and data storage in the virtual desktop environment (VDE) or workspace is performed by the server
• thin client computer need only be powerful enough to:
  • display the screen image
  • play audio
  • and transfer mouse, key commands and video, and audio information over the network
• virtualization server hosting the virtual desktops can be provisioned either as an on-premises server (on the same local network as the clients) or in the cloud

Benefits

• centralization of data makes it easier to back up
• easier to support and troubleshoot
• better locked against unsecure user practices because any changes to the VM can easily be overwritten from the template image
• easier for a company to completely offload their IT infrastructure to a third-party services company

Disadvantages

• during a failure in the server and network infrastructure, users have no local processing ability
  • downtime events may be more costly in terms of lost productivity