Desktop
virtualization is software technology {Desktop as a Service} that separates the
desktop environment and associated application software from the physical
client device that is used to access it. Desktop virtualization can be used in
conjunction with application virtualization and user profile management systems
(Active Directory, LDAP), now termed "user virtualization," to
provide a comprehensive desktop environment management system. All the components
of the desktop are virtualized, which allows for a highly flexible and much
more secure desktop delivery model. This approach supports a more complete
desktop disaster recovery strategy as all components are essentially saved in
the data center and backed up through traditional redundant maintenance
systems.
Typically, software
products that deliver desktop virtualization solutions can combine local and
remote implementations into a single product to provide the most appropriate
support specific to requirements. Virtualization is employed to present
independent instances to multiple users and requires a strategic segmentation
of the host server and presentation at some layer of the host's architecture.
The enabling application software is called a hypervisor. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is a desktop-centric
service that hosts user desktop environments on remote servers and/or PCs,
which are accessed over a network using a remote display protocol. A connection
brokering service is used to connect users to their assigned desktop sessions.
For users, this means they can access their desktop from any location, without
being tied to a single client device. Since the resources are centralized,
users moving between work locations can still access the same desktop
environment with their applications and data. For IT administrators, this means
a more centralized, efficient client environment that is easier to maintain and
able to respond more quickly to the changing needs of the user and business.
Virtualization
Desktop Infrastructure empowers deployment of remote desktop services
architectures that provide employees the flexibility to work anywhere, while
allowing them to seamlessly access their corporate windows desktop or
application environment running in the datacenter from a range of devices. This
increases flexibility of access for remote desktops and applications,
delivering personalized, consistent, and secure experiences for users, while
also improving compliance through centralized control and access to
confidential data. VDI facilitates
optimal use of hardware and associated applications can be run seamlessly on
virtual interfaces.
Conceptual
technology stack using VMware vSphere platform showing desktop virtualization.
Citrix is another probable choice to setup virtual desktop infrastructure.
