VDI Brings the Benefits of Cloud Computing to the Data Center

by Jim Kane, Director - CIO Services, TPI

The past couple of years have been an exciting time for CIOs needing scalable IT platforms that are cost-effective and support rigorous security standards. In addition to cloud computing, a currently less-publicized technology called “VDI” is gaining momentum and credibility for those who need similar attributes with added benefits. The server-centric VDI model, which borrows from the traditional thin-client model, can be a great alternative for organizations that want to maintain control of their applications and data in-house, uphold stringent control of operational standards and reduce support costs.

VDI means “virtual desktop infrastructure.” Quite simply, it takes the user’s desktop and moves it into the data center. When done right, resources become better utilized, applications are managed efficiently, and data never leaves the friendly confines of the data center.

First generation virtual desktop solutions were designed to serve up a basic virtual desktop running Microsoft Office and client/server or Web apps, and they did a great job at that. In today’s computing environment, many companies are concerned with the sometimes delicate balance of cost versus security. Besides the obvious cost consciousness brought about by the weak economy, another less-common cost consideration is what I’m calling the “experience” value – the relative ease-of-use of a given solution for a typical end-user. We want this value to be high, indicating a highly usable system. Then there’s the security side of the equation.

I believe that the VDI desktop solution can help organizations 1) keep costs down, 2) maximize the “client experience” value; and 3) maintain data security. VDI can help lower costs by reducing management, administrative, and resource overhead, while at the same time increasing the user’s experience and securing data inside the data center.

Desktop virtualization depends on where the virtualization is taking place (i.e., implemented), either at the host (i.e., data center) via one single image being presented to all users (a.k.a. “thin client”), or at the host serving up multiple images to users or the client workstation running multiple images.

VDI is a “younger” technology that we’re seeing implemented by some major vendors in the past two years. HP, IBM, MS, VMware, Citrix, SUN and various boutique service providers have been increasingly getting into this space. Along the spectrum of virtualized desktop implementations, there have been many successful implementations worldwide such as Sparkassen, the savings banks’ financial group in Germany, which has deployed more than 100,000 thin clients using VDI.

VDI is a proven technology and has reached a maturity level that gives buyers with a certain set of requirements many viable choices. But you don’t want to virtualize without a clear understanding of your current and desired states.

Wondering if VDI might be a good fit for your organization? E-mail me, and I’ll send you a checklist of things to think about before a VDI deployment.

Comments

[Adam]

VDI is certainly an important component in virtualizing end user computing (moving computing to the data center). However, it is not a complete replacement for other types of virtualization technologies such as Terminal Server (SBC).

The fact is that Terminal Server has advantages over VDI, while VDI also has advantages over Terminal Server. That's why most organizations are best served by adopting a hybrid approach, with an optimal mix of Terminal Server (for task-oriented users), VDI (for power users), and Blade PCs (stock traders, graphic designers, etc.) which delivers the most benefit and platform flexibility to the organization.

Ericom Software's PowerTerm WebConnect facilitates this hybrid approach by managing access to Terminal Server, VDI and Blade PCs, all with one management tool, one product.

For more info on the hybrid approach visit:
http://www.ericom.com/vdi_wts.asp?URL_ID=708

Adam

[PC tech support]

I just have to agree with it that VDI can help lower costs by reducing management, administrative, and resource overhead, while at the same time increasing the user’s experience and securing data inside the data center. That is one ideal fact about VDI.