Desktop virtualization: What it is and how it works
5 min read
Desktop virtualization allows you to create a virtual simulation of your computer desktop to access it remotely. As the working world shifts more and more toward remote and flexible work arrangements, desktop virtualization provides an important way to access work resources from anywhere. However, desktop virtualization offers more than just remote access to a work computer. Let’s look at the different types of desktop virtualization and their pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is desktop virtualization?
Desktop virtualization is a method of creating a simulation of your workstation. Desktop virtualization software allows access to your desktop environment from anywhere and on any device with a network connection.
If your business uses proprietary software or your work requires you to access sensitive information stored on a secure computer at the workplace, desktop virtualization technology gives you access to a virtual version of your workstation, either on your server or on the public cloud server, so that you have all the resources needed to get work done from anywhere.
How does desktop virtualization work?
Desktop virtualization makes a virtual version of your desktop environment and operating system. Often, this requires the use of a desktop virtualization server. Because the desktop is virtual, it doesn’t require you to be physically present at the same location as the computer you are accessing.
Desktop virtualization servers typically run on virtual machines (VMs) that may exist on servers at your workspace or the public cloud. One of the big advantages of desktop virtualization is that it reduces risk to your business because important information is not stored on the device you use to access your virtual desktop. Instead, information remains on a server controlled by your business or within a cloud architecture, which other devices can access and control without storing it.
Virtualization of desktop infrastructure can be done in a couple of different ways. While you don’t necessarily need to know how desktop virtualization works to take advantage of it, having a basic grasp of the different options available in the desktop virtualization market is helpful. Let’s look at some of the most important ways to virtualize your desktop.
What are the types of desktop virtualization?
The three main methods of desktop virtualization are a virtual desktop infrastructure, remote desktop services, and desktop-as-a-service. Here’s a brief overview of these forms of desktop virtualization infrastructure.
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
In a VDI model, the operating system runs on a virtual machine hosted on a data center server. The virtual machine replicates your business workstation, featuring the same operating system and apps you use on the physical machine. VDI gives each user a dedicated virtual machine, and the hypervisor software controls the computing resources so that multiple users can connect to their virtual machines simultaneously. That means you can access your work programs and operating system even from devices that don’t have the same OS. However, it also requires a separate virtual machine for every user, which can drain computing resources.
Remote desktop services (RDS)
RDS operate on the Microsoft Windows Server operating system. The software can handle multiple simultaneous users, with the only limit being your server hardware. This setup can make it more cost-effective, but it’s worth remembering that not all applications that run on Windows 10 or Windows 11 are certified to operate on the Windows Server OS. That’s why application virtualization is often necessary when using this system.
Desktop-as-a-service (DaaS)
DaaS is the simplest way of setting up desktop virtualization. It means hiring a third party to host virtual machines on their servers via cloud computing. Often, the company you hire can set up as many virtual machines as you need, charging according to usage. That makes this one of the most scalable and easiest to set up solutions. It also makes things much easier if your usage needs fluctuate. For example, if you only need a lot of simultaneous users for a limited time, you can scale back your DaaS services far more easily than if you had invested money in a physical server.
What are the benefits of desktop virtualization?
Depending on your business needs and the way your company is set up, you can take advantage of the following desktop virtualization benefits:
Security. Most desktop virtualization systems involve creating a virtual machine to mirror physical workstations. The VMs are run in a tightly controlled environment, which gives IT departments greater control over access and cybersecurity. Desktop virtualization can also help save enterprise resources in the event of damage to physical computers.- Resource management. Operating virtual machines allows you to create and maintain as many machines as you need. If your business needs fluctuate, this can help you tailor your infrastructure exactly to the size of your team.
- Remote work. Remote work has many advantages for employees and employers, including increased organizational resilience, increased productivity, and access to a larger and more diverse pool of candidates. Desktop virtualization is one of the best ways to provide the work resources you need to build a remote team.
- Reduced costs. Shifting to a remote or hybrid work model allows you to scale back your office needs and potentially eliminate office space. Plus, implementing desktop virtualization lets you shift much of your IT budget from capital expenditures to operating expenditures. Delivering computer-intensive applications through virtual machines via a data center server requires less processing power, so you can get the same results from less powerful and less expensive devices.
- Simpler administration. Instead of maintaining and updating multiple different physical machines, you can use a single VM template for all your users.
- Greater agility. Virtual machines are easy to set up and maintain and easy to remove when no longer required.
What are the disadvantages of desktop virtualization?
Initial investment cost. The initial investment cost is one of the biggest barriers to switching to desktop virtualization. This drawback is especially true with a VDI system, as you will need to set up a server. However, even DaaS systems can get costly as you add more users.- Implementation. Setting up and maintaining a virtual workspace requires some IT know-how. Again, this is especially true with a VDI system. DaaS systems are far easier to implement but involve a learning curve and an initial setup period.
- User issues. Switching to remote or hybrid work comes with challenges. One of the biggest is that when you virtualize your desktops, you lose control over how your users access your resources. If they have a poor Internet connection or unsuitable devices, you may lose productivity due to factors beyond your control.
How to choose a desktop virtualization solution
Every business has different needs, and it’s those needs that will determine the best desktop virtualization solution for you. Here are some things to consider:
- VDI, RDS, and DaaS systems all have pros and cons. Think carefully about how many users you will need, how much time and money you’re willing to invest, and how you’ll use the system to help you decide.
- Consider how your users will access your architecture. Will they all be logged on simultaneously, requiring more computing power? Or can their work be spread across different time periods to lessen the load?
- What level of security does your business require? Is it worth the extra expense and technical challenges to set up a VDI system, or can you get by with DaaS?
- Think about scalability. You may need to add more VMs as your business grows, so choose a scalable system.
Desktop virtualization makes remote work easier and allows you to break free of the office. While virtualizing your workplace comes with challenges, it also brings huge opportunities in scalability, flexibility, and employee retention.