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VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and refers to an IT infrastructure for virtualizing and centralizing the functionality of desktop computers. The equipment of the client at the workplace can be reduced thanks to VDI.
Hardware virtualization follows the approach of providing the functions of a workstation PC via a central service. At the workplace, the user only needs one client to call up the virtualized PC service. All functions are operated by mouse or keyboard, and the graphic display is output locally on the client, while the actual software is executed on a server.
The user is in a different location than his virtual PC. The transmission of all inputs and outputs between the client and the server takes place via the network.
Access to the central server is possible both locally and via the Internet. For a high-performance execution of the virtual desktop function, the network must meet certain minimum requirements. It includes plenty of bandwidth, stable latency, and fast response times.
Advantages of a virtual desktop infrastructure
#1 Centralizing work
Centralizing and virtualizing the desktops has many advantages. The administration is simplified thanks to the centrally provided desktop services.
With Citrix VDI, the updates can be carried out much faster and with less effort. In addition, any problems or incompatibilities that arise can be analyzed and solved at a central point. All provisioning processes for desktop functions and backup services can be automated and thus carried out in a simplified manner.
#2 You can use cheaper infrastructure for clients
Significant advantages in a virtual desktop infrastructure in Citrix VDI result from the use of less complex clients. You can use cheaper computer clients that have lower CPU, graphics, and memory performance.
The interdependence between hardware and software applications is eliminated. Therefore, a possible replacement of the PCs due to new software requirements is no longer necessary.
#3 Easy to solve the network problem
In the event of hardware malfunctions, the administrator no longer has to work locally at the user’s site but can solve the problems on the central server.
Data can also be restored centrally by restoring a backup. Since the server hardware is designed for professional operation, the mean time between failure (MTBF) increases significantly, and the virtual desktops’ availability is higher than that of physical desktops.
#4 Resource conservation
The other advantages of the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure are energy efficiency and resource conservation. The system consumes less energy than fully equipped desktop computers and requires fewer resources in their manufacture or transport.
Today, there are many different VDI systems from different manufacturers on the market. In addition to commercial solutions, free software packages are available for the virtual desktop infrastructure, including clients.
The security of the virtual desktop infrastructure
In addition to the advantages described above, there are other advantages to the security of the desktops. The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure prevents dangerous growth on local computers with different operating system versions or applications.
All desktops have a uniform software version in the virtualized environment and are easier to protect against internal or external threats from the Internet.
