What can VDI be used for? Do you actually need it?
FACT: VDI is a virtualization technology that allows an operating system to be run remotely, while ensuring a first level of security and simplicity for the end user. VDI environments are compatible with almost everything. They run Windows systems, Linux, macOS, and can be used on most devices (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphones, thin clients...).
Virtualized desktops can meet several business needs. It helps them tackle challenges such as new working habits (remote working, BYOD...), quick number of employee variation, or simply IT people (administrators) experience.
It feels like the ultimate lean solution for your IT. Everyone as the same environment, booted up on demand, centrally administered.
(Somewhat) secure remote-working
The main advantage of remote desktop virtualization lies in its strong flexibility. Most enterprises – SMBs included – could actually use remote virtualized desktops as a solution for remote work. Every employees have home internet access. In France, 85 % remote workers use personal device to access their company’s resource during the pandemic. Those poorly secured devices were not monitored by the IT department.
Improve collaborators experience
Virtual desktop infrastructure also improves mobile employees work conditions. Not only to work from home situation but for:
- A communication officer who's on an event but is requested to send urgently a report or brief stored on their desktop;
- A maintenance worker who wants to access specific entreprise-grade application when they are on field;
- An IT project managr who's going to another city/country to meet partners;
- Usage of freelance, and more generally, when you don't have any leverage on your desktop fleet (freelances, partners, sub-contractors,etc.)
- When an employee has to access a secondary system in addition to its main one (developpers, R&D, shared zone, etc.).
And other situations collaborators may face occasionally or frequently.
The virtual remote desktops are hosted on a centralised server pool, which runs several virtual machines (VMs). Each VM represents one independent workstation.
Consequently, each user can log into its environment, configured for their business needs, without data being stored locally. A simple browser or dedicated client is all that is needed to connect to your workstation.
Already looking for a solution to the entire company?
Bummer! That’s almost impossible (sorry but not sorry. We’ll tell you why)
Virtual desktop infrastructure appears as a grounded option for businesses who want to keep sensitive data on-premises with a simple IT administration. However, the deployment of virtual remote desktop environment comes with challenges and prerequisites.
The Hidden costs of a virtualized desktop ecosystem
Financially, VDI costs more than if every employee have its own personal computer.
Why?
Because it is a Mikado game.
The number of virtual remote desktops that can be deployed is limited by the host available resource.
- If they overestimate the number of virtual desktops a server can run, the performance will be degraded. You’ll need extra VDI hardware to mitigate.You’ll spend more money than expected. End of the game: you lose.
- If they overestimate the hardware requirement, you’ll be wasting a lot of money on equipment collaborators don’t need. Costly, useless. End of the game: you lose (and your CFO will either scream or faint).
- If they find the right balance between the host resources and the need of virtual desktops, your in-house experts might succeed in managing the costs. Still, they must not underestimate the overall cost of this VDI infrastructure (licences, storage, servers, maintenance, network, bandwidth,...). Tied game. You may pay what you wanted to pay initially.
All in all, the deployment of a virtual remote desktop infrastructure can be too complex and costly for SMBs lacking IT resource.
Note to SMBs: Please, don’t be like the company that hired 12 systems administrators ONLY to manage a VDI infrastructure and ended up spending millions yearly on maintenance. Be sure you have a strong backbone.
Most importantly, VDI performance is highly dependent on the connectivity: you’ll need a stable strong network using ethernet or wi-Fi for example, and quite recent device. Your 15-year-old switch won’t make it.
Because of this strong dependence on network quality, sharing resources can be a downside in terms of employee's experience. They may face noticeable latency depending on bandwidth and server load. If the board includes extreme power users (CAD, Photoshop, Gaming development...), other users may experience lagging issues.
Speaking about user experience, a special notice also to the input lag, making the overall day-to-day usage laggy, not as responsive as a local usage. Indeed, the keyboard and mouse events have to go back and forth between the server and the PC.
Last, but not least: no off-network possibility
This is not necessarily a problem for businesses not evolving in regulated environments (defence, critical infrastructures...). But it can be a down-turning point for users' adoption.
Why using VDI in a Workplace?
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sounds like a valid option for businesses who want to centralize IT management, somewhat secure data and offer users a high degree of flexibility in a specific department or a selected profile. It enables them to maintain complete control over the cloud infrastructure, while ensuring consistent performance, if sized correctly.
However, it’s not a one size fits all.
Its deployment (financial and human resource) cost makes it inaccessible for SMBs.
VDI limited performance, and strong dependence on network quality, can affect user experience, productivity, and risk management. This is why companies are now looking for more agile, sovereign, and efficient alternatives to VDI.
👉 Ready to discover how our solution can be tailored to your business needs?
Book your personalised demonstration or test it in your infrastructure now at kerys.software.
