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Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) has gained popularity thanks to the recent surge in remote work. You may ask, “What is VDI and how it works?” VDI is a software solution that provides remote access to a virtual desktop with virtualization technology.
A virtual desktop simulates a full, physical computer, and companies can preload it with corporate data and applications that the remote workforce can use to do their jobs. However, VDI has significant disadvantages, including its complexity, high costs, and limited environment for application.
Fortunately, other virtual desktop alternatives can provide similar benefits as VDI while getting rid of the drawbacks. Therefore, Venn will offer the best options for a virtual desktop alternative in this article.
Best Virtual Desktop Alternatives
If you want to avoid VDI downsides like unfamiliar user experience and performance lags, here are the best alternatives you can find:
1. Amazon Workspaces
Amazon Workspaces enjoys good name recognition being a product of Amazon, one of the leading tech companies in the world. This product offers a reliable virtual solution for companies adopting remote work practices such as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Bring Your Own PC (BYOPC).
Also, it is a fully managed scalable desktop visualization system that provides secure access to data, applications, documents, and other resources from supported devices — like Chromebooks or tablets and PCs running macOS or Windows — and from any location.
Unlike VDI, Amazon Workspaces does not require you to procure, deploy, or manage a complex environment — it does the heavy lifting. Moreover, Amazon Workspaces lets you bring your existing Windows 10/11 Desktop licenses and boasts other vital features such as streaming protocols, easy provisioning, encryption, persistent storage, and audio/visual optimization.
2. V2 Cloud Virtual Desktops
V2 Cloud is a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solution that enables organizations to host and gain access to apps in the cloud securely. This solution lets administrators deploy web-based virtual desktops in a very short time. Also, V2 Cloud has a dashboard that provides insight into several features, including cloud resources, billing, user controls, backups, security setting, and more.
Besides, you can use V2 Cloud to present multi-user Windows Server desktops — a maximum of 250 users — in each virtual machine. This service is fully integrated, boasting secure remote access, antivirus protection, 24/7 monitoring, and daily backups to ensure continuity in all instances.
Lastly, you do not need technical expertise to set up virtual machines in the cloud with V2 Cloud — the service’s technical support team is always available to assist you.
3. VMware Horizon Cloud
VMware Horizon Cloud is another top virtual desktop alternative worth your company’s dime. It uses a cloud-based console and Software as a Service (SaaS) management services to effectively deploy, scale, monitor, and manage desktops and apps across private, multi-cloud, and hybrid infrastructure.
Also, your employees can use VMware Horizon Cloud to gain secure remote access to sensitive corporate resources. This product promises end-to-end security regardless of the device used to access resources, thanks to the intrinsic security infused in the VMware Infrastructure.
4. Citrix DaaS
Citrix DaaS — formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service — lets you share virtual desktops and apps from any location with any device. It consists of virtualization solutions that help to control apps, licensing, security, and virtual machines through remote access, also available from anywhere.
With Citrix DaaS, you have multiple deployment options, including on-premises, cloud service, or a hybrid model. And you can choose from cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure, Google GCP, or Amazon AWS.
Citrix DaaS lets users run desktops and apps independently of their device’s operating system and interface while allowing administrators to manage access, networks, and devices remotely.
5. Nutanix Frame
Nutanix Frame allows users to access any software with their browser without requiring Java or Flash. This DaaS solution is compatible with HTML5-capable browsers such as Chrome or Firefox. Most importantly, Nutanix Frame enables administrators to quickly and securely provision access to virtual desktops and applications to anyone in any location.
Furthermore, you can deploy this service in the public cloud with Azure, GCP, or AWS or on-premises with Nutanis AHV. Nutanix Frame offers simplified operations, allowing you to centralize management to serve more end-users with less operational complexity.
6. Evolve IP Virtual Desktop
Evolve IP Virtual Desktop is a DaaS solution for virtual and physical desktops alike, allowing IT departments to deploy the best desktop solution for end-users. Moreover, end-users can access every data, file, and application from anywhere, using any device.
Meanwhile, Evolve IP lets administrators retain control of the solution through the cloud, allowing them to enhance their remote end-user support. Also, this service offers a consistent user experience with desktops, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and any other device.
It’s also worth mentioning that Evolve IP is secure — utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Single-Sign-On (SSO) — and complies with regulations such as SOC2, PCI, HITRUST, HIPAA, and more.
7. Kasm Workspaces
Kasm Workspaces streams containerized desktops and apps to end-users. The service provides data loss prevention, web streaming technology, and enterprise-class orchestration to deliver containerized workloads to end-users’ browsers. Additionally, Kasm Workspaces offers desktop access within a minute on any device, from anywhere, securely through any browser.
Kasm Workspaces’ containerized work environment means the user and their devices are safe from damage or hacking attempts.
Conclusion
VDI’s complexities mean organizations interested in virtualized desktops are looking for alternatives. In this article, Venn has provided the seven best options for a virtual desktop alternative. These solutions are designed to provide the best services to remote and hybrid workforces.
Also, they can help businesses save costs by eliminating the need to distribute company-owned devices to all remote workers.
