VDI

VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is a technology that enables users to access virtual desktops hosted on remote servers. Instead of having an operating system and applications installed locally on each computer, VDI centralises these resources in a data centre. Users can access their virtual desktops from any device with an internet connection, providing a complete and consistent desktop experience. 

Benefits of VDI 

VDI offers numerous benefits for both organisations and end users: 

• Flexibility and mobility: Users can access their virtual desktops from anywhere and on any device, making remote working and mobility easier. 

• Enhanced security: By centralising data and applications in a secure data centre, the risk of data loss is reduced and overall security is improved. 

• Simplified management: IT administrators can manage and update all virtual desktops from a central location, which simplifies maintenance and the roll-out of updates. 

• Cost reduction: VDI can reduce hardware costs, as users’ devices do not need to be as powerful. Furthermore, server resources can be optimised to improve efficiency. 

• Scalability: Organisations can easily scale the number of virtual desktops to meet their needs, without having to purchase and configure new hardware. 

How does a VDI work? 

To understand how a VDI works, it is important to be familiar with its key components and workflow: 

• Virtualisation servers: Virtual desktops are created and run on virtualisation servers in the data centre. Each server can host multiple virtual desktops. 

• Hypervisor: A hypervisor is a piece of software that enables the creation and management of virtual machines on servers. Popular hypervisors include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer. 

• Client connection: Users connect to their virtual desktops via a VDI client, which may be an application installed on their device or a web browser. 

• Connection protocol: Communication between the client and the server takes place via a connection protocol, such as RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) or PCoIP (PC over IP), which transmits the virtual desktop screen to the user’s device. 

• Storage and networking: Data and applications are stored on centralised storage systems and accessed via the data centre network. 

Uses of VDI 

VDI is used in a variety of scenarios and sectors: 

• Companies: It facilitates remote working and employee mobility, enabling secure access to corporate resources from anywhere. 

• Education: Educational institutions can provide students with access to virtual desktops featuring specialised educational software, without the need to install it on each device. 

• Health: Healthcare professionals can access electronic health records and clinical applications from any device, improving efficiency and patient care. 

• Software development: Developers can access virtualised development environments, which facilitates collaboration and access to shared tools and resources. 

• Call centres: Call centre agents can work from anywhere, accessing their virtual desktops with the applications and data they need for their work. 

The difference between VDI and a virtual machine 

Although VDI and virtual machines (VMs) share some similarities, there are key differences between them: 

• Purpose: VDI is specifically designed to provide virtual desktops to end users, whilst virtual machines can run any type of operating system and application, and are used for a variety of purposes, including servers and back-end applications. 

• Management: In a VDI infrastructure, virtual desktops are managed centrally, which simplifies administration and maintenance. Virtual machines, on the other hand, can be managed either individually or centrally, depending on the environment. 

• Access: Users access their virtual desktops via a VDI client, whilst the virtual machines can be accessed in various ways, including remote connections, management consoles and specific clients. 

• Optimisation: VDI is optimised to provide a smooth and efficient desktop experience, with connection protocols designed to minimise latency and maximise performance. Virtual machines may not be specifically optimised for the desktop experience.