What is virtualization?
Virtualization in cloud computing involves separating software, like operating systems or applications, from the physical hardware it traditionally runs on. This decoupling enables software to run on any device, not tied to a specific machine. Commonly, users encounter virtualization when accessing a remote version of their work desktop on personal devices. IT professionals utilize virtualization for virtual computers, applications, storage, networks, and servers, adapting to the global demand for secure remote work solutions.
Virtual machines (VMs) are the products of virtualization, existing as software-defined entities rather than physical hardware like traditional computers. VMs simulate hardware components such as CPU, hard drive, and RAM through software code. They serve diverse purposes, notably supporting virtual desktop environments increasingly essential in modern workplaces.
While VMs utilize real physical server hardware, they partition and share resources among multiple independent VMs. This method, known as server virtualization, employs a hypervisor—software that bridges physical hardware with VMs' virtual hardware. This setup enables IT professionals to manage VMs efficiently and host VMs running various operating systems on the same physical infrastructure, such as Windows and Linux.
What is virtual desktop infrastructure?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is an IT solution that enables users to access enterprise computer systems from nearly any device, such as personal computers, smartphones, or tablets. This eliminates the need for companies to provision, manage, repair, and replace physical machines for each user. Authorized personnel can securely access company servers, files, applications, and services through a dedicated desktop client or web browser.
VDI centralizes traditional desktop workloads on servers, making it a standard in business environments to support remote and branch office workers, as well as provide access to contractors and partners. It enhances security by hosting sensitive company applications and data in highly secure data centers, ensuring that personal and corporate data remain separate on users' devices.
Various methods deliver virtual desktops and applications, including VDI itself, along with other forms such as Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and personalized Cloud PCs. These solutions are increasingly popular due to enhanced security, performance, centralization of resources, reduced hardware requirements, cost savings, and the ability to enable global workforce mobility.
How does VDI work?
VDI environments, supported by extensive collections of virtual machines (VMs) running on hypervisor software, can become more complex compared to traditional remote desktop setups. In VDI, server hardware hosts desktop operating systems (OS) like Windows or Linux, along with various software programs, on VMs located in centralized servers within physical data centers.
Cloud providers typically offer two main types of virtual desktops: persistent and non-persistent, each suited to different user needs.
Persistent virtual desktops are ideal for users such as developers and IT professionals who require a consistent environment with elevated permissions. These desktops offer high levels of personalization and application compatibility but come at a higher cost per user compared to non-persistent types.
Non-persistent virtual desktops provide a degree of personalization by separating the personalization layer from the underlying OS. This setup allows any user to access any VM and receive a personalized experience during their session, but any personalization changes are not saved once the user logs out. Non-persistent desktops offer a cost-effective solution per user and are suitable for environments like computer labs, call centers, or retail kiosks where users do not need persistent settings or data storage.
What is VDI used for?
Companies worldwide are increasingly adopting VDI to adapt to evolving work patterns. Here are key use cases driving this adoption:
Empowering Remote Work: VDI facilitates remote work by allowing virtual desktops to be easily deployed and updated from a centralized location, ensuring consistent access to company resources regardless of location.
Enabling Task-Based or Shift Work: Organizations like call centers or public computer labs benefit from non persistent VDI, which supports a large number of users needing uniform software setups for specific tasks, promoting efficiency and simplicity.
Meeting Security and Compliance Requirements: VDI enhances security by centralizing data and applications in secure data centers, providing intelligent security features that proactively detect and mitigate threats, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Supporting BYOD Policies: VDI enables organizations to implement Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies effectively by processing data centrally, thereby allowing a wide range of devices to access corporate resources while maintaining data security and privacy on the server side.
Benefits of virtualization with VDI
Previously, businesses operating on legacy IT systems often found the cost and high-performance demands of VDI deployment prohibitive. However, the advent of converged and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems has largely mitigated these challenges. As a result, more companies are now embracing VDI hosted by cloud providers to benefit from enhanced scalability, reliability, and cost savings.
VDI provides several benefits:
Remote Access and Device Portability: Workers can access virtual desktops from various devices, offering flexibility and a mobile office experience.
Enhanced Security: Centralized VDI environments protect sensitive company data and separate personal apps from enterprise applications, improving overall security.
Improved Compliance: VDI solutions help organizations achieve compliance certifications, essential in sectors like government and finance, or for GDPR regulations in Europe.
IT Cost Savings and Lower Hardware Requirements: Server-based processing reduces the need for expensive hardware and lowers costs related to licensing, infrastructure, and maintenance.
Data Center Features and Capabilities: VDI through cloud providers offers advanced security, high-performance infrastructure, and cloud-based backup solutions.
Simplified IT Management and Desktop Provisioning: VDI streamlines IT management by enabling quick desktop provisioning and centralized control over network settings, users, applications, and security measures.
For more info, go to Azure Virtual Desktop.
The original article was posted here.