What is Desktop Virtualization?

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Desktop virtualization is the virtualization of end-user desktops. This makes it easier for administrators to manage end-user machines and to customize individual user experiences remotely. There are two kinds of desktop virtualization technologies in use today. One is Client-Hosted Desktop Virtualization and the other is usually referred to as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).

Client-Hosted Desktop Virtualization

This type of virtualization involves installing virtualization software (for example Microsoft Virtual PC), on to the end-user's physical machine. On this machine, multiple virtual machines can now be created for different purposes. For example, one virtual machine may be used as a test environment for new software, while another may only be accessible by certain users and restricted for others.

The advantages of this kind of virtualization are obvious; for example multiple desktop environments can be run on a single physical machine all isolated from one another. However, one disadvantage of using Client-Hosted Desktop Virtualization is that all virtual machine files are visible to any user who is using the physical machine on which the virtual machines reside. In a security-critical environment, this could pose a security risk because anyone logged into the host OS could effectively copy entire virtual machines, to a portable hard drive. The solution to this problem is using VDI.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

VDI is a relatively new type of virtualization technology; however, it is based around a traditional thin client-server model. It involves storing end-user desktop environments on virtualized machines, which are stored on servers. A user can then access their desktop environment through the use of end-user PC's or thin client machines.

VDI is similar to terminal service remote desktop access technology, its only difference being that it involves a user accessing a fully virtualized end user environment.

There are many benefits to using VDI. Administrators can centrally manage and control desktop environments. Security is improved because all virtual machines reside on centralized servers. The only real disadvantage is that VDI requires powerful server hardware, due to the extra load that is placed on a server, which has to carry out both virtualization and manage incoming connections to these virtualized desktop environments.

This also means that cheaper end-user desktop machines can be used because they require far less processing power. This means that a large business can actually save money in the long run by investing slightly more in server hardware but much less in end-user desktops.

VDI is best used in a business environment which has contracted or offshore workers. VDI offers all the benefits of traditional virtualization solutions but also offers the benefits of remote desktop access, and centralized desktop management for administrators.

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