The transformed “stateless virtual desktop” has lead
to the creation of a complete end-to- end integrated solutions.
The most advanced is that developed by VMware – called Virtual
Desktop Infrastructure or “VDI”.
VDI
VDI is an end to end solution that meets the needs of both IT and
the end user. With no single point of failure, VMware VDI is built
on virtual desktops running on VMWare's proven virtualisation infrastructure.
VMware Virtual Desktop Manager
VMware Virtual Desktop
Manager is a component of VMware VDI, which is installed on
servers (or virtual servers) in the data centre.
VMware VDM securely connects clients to the virtual desktops using
a process known as 'connection brokering'.
Demo of VDI
Advantages of VDI
VDI solves many of the problems of the traditional desktop model.
Management is simplified and streamlined.
Upgrades, patches and backups are done from a single location,
increasing the success rates
Reduced desktop IT maintenance and support costs - IT is no
longer required to be on site to handle PC help desk issues
Centrally managed IT resources - can be reallocated to other
projects helping to reduce the maintenance costs of PCs.
Rapid deployment - desktops are deployed and provisioned in
minutes, by deploying hardware independent virtual machines from
templates.
Improved end user Service Level Agreements - unplanned downtime
is minimised and recovery of OS failures is accelerated.
End User Access - users are no longer tied to a device; instead
their desktop is tied to their identity. Their personalised stateless
virtual desktop is available using a wide variety of devices -
even accessed securely over the public internet using a browser.
Improved Data Management - data and information is removed from
local devices, where it may be susceptible to theft of loss, and
is stored in secured and protected data centres.
Protection of intellectual property - enabling companies to
remain compliant with regulations like HIPPA, Basel II and SOXs.
How VDI Differs From Windows Terminal Services
In Windows Terminal Services [Citrix environments], multiple users
share a single instance of an operating system and applications,
running on a server in the data centre.
With VDI, each user gets their own desktop environment, which is
running on a server in the data centre.
Key VDI Differentiators
Application compatibility - a problem for some
applications using Citrix terminal services or other shared services
solutions
Extension of the full desktop - VDI users have
their own complete desktop experience hosted in a secure location
with full back up and support
Full user isolation - users needing stronger isolation
for regulatory and security reasons
Flexibility - Users can still use USB connections,
memory sticks etc
Uses For VMware VDI
Organisations deploy VDI for 3 main reasons:
To centralise their environment or replace their desktop
Disaster Recovery or business continuity
Ease the management of transactional workers
Centralised Desktop Management
Using VMware VDI to replace traditional PCs with virtual desktops
simplifies both control and management. New virtual desktops can
be deployed in minutes, giving end-users their own complete, unmodified
desktop environments, eliminating the need for retraining.
Unlike a shared services model, where a single OS is used for multiple
applications, VMware VDI creates isolated Virtual Desktops avoiding
any application compatibility problems.
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
VMware VDI provides assurance with reliability, data protection
and disaster recovery capabilities traditionally available only
for server applications. This includes:
Automated failover ensures high availability for virtual desktops
Leveraging shared storage to back up your desktops, as for server
data
Site-wide disaster recovery mechanisms - ensure rapid restoration
of service after an unplanned outage [without the need for duplicate
hardware].
Transactional User Management
VMware VDI delivers cost-effective desktop services to fixed-function
workers at branch offices, call centres and other locations.
All confidential data can be stored inside the firewall, making
user access easier.
