Cloud Desktop Infrastructure, also referred to as VDI Software Solutions, is the technology behind the delivery of virtual desktops and applications to end-user devices. These are made available on internet-connected devices and can be accessed by permitted users anywhere, anytime.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is not new; businesses have benefited from virtual desktops for over a decade now. But hosted VDI or cloud-hosted Virtual Desktop Infrastructure has lately emerged as a powerful match between cloud technologies and traditional VDI to transform businesses worldwide.
Both cloud computing and virtual desktops have been used by businesses to drive up employee productivity and amp up workforce performance. Hosted VDI has combined these two popular trends so as to give rise to a unified platform that can leverage the best of both.
Basically, hosted VDI is the practice of hosting virtual desktops and applications on cloud servers belonging to a third-party cloud service provider such as Ace Cloud Hosting. Hosted VDI typically forms part of managed services, which means that the third-party provider is responsible for installing, configuring, managing, and upgrading the virtual desktops. The difference between hosted VDI and traditional VDI is that, in the case of the latter, virtual desktops are stored in a centralized server located on the premises. Consequently, an in-house IT team is responsible for the deployment and upkeep of traditional VDI.
When businesses opt for hosted VDI solutions from third-party cloud service providers, they sign up for virtual desktops that come with pre-installed apps and a user experience similar to that of Windows. Moreover, the in-house IT team can concentrate only on access controls, scalability needs, and on-premises security.
One of the reasons why more businesses opt for hosted VDI solutions is because they can leverage reduced IT hassles and slashed operational costs. With businesses looking to deploy a remote and distributive workforce, hosted VDI is the surest guarantee of high productivity and even higher efficiency for both workforce and workload management.
Hosted VDI is now the go-to solution for small, medium, and large enterprises. The more these businesses come to know about the advantages of using virtual desktops over their physical counterparts, the more popular hosted VDI becomes. As compared to physical desktops, virtual desktops and applications are more customizable, cost-effective, and easier to maintain. Hosted VDI providers such as ACE use Citrix Virtual Apps to create virtual desktops with advanced features like all-around accessibility, comprehensive security, and flexible storage options.
Below is a list of the most enviable features of hosted VDI that make it a popular choice across sectors and niches. These include zero upfront costs, multi-device accessibility, solid customer support, maximum uptime and reliable security. Let’s dig in:
1. Managed Services
Windows virtual desktop are offered as part of a managed solution by a third-party provider. Management involves ticking off every box in a comprehensive check-list that includes regular management, OS patching, system upgrades, and constant monitoring of the overall health of virtual desktops. The same provider is responsible for securely migrating data from legacy systems to the cloud. Businesses need only be aware of their own needs and manage access controls hierarchy to successfully use virtual desktops.
2. Windows-like Experience
Most traditional desktops are Widows based. Naturally, users familiar with the Windows experience find it hard to embrace a different operating system. Adoption of a new system takes time and can negatively impact workforce performance and productivity. That is why virtual desktops come with a similar look and feel to Windows-based office desktops. From accessibility to user-friendliness, a Windows-like experience makes sure employees can adjust to virtual desktops with greater ease. Once an-house IT team has overseen the process of implementation, employees can benefit from the same user experience they are used to.
3. Multi-device Compatibility
Hosted virtual desktops spell a definitive end to all compatibility issues. That is because these desktops are designed to be accessible from any device running on any platform. Accessibility aside, virtual desktops promote useful connectivity by allowing users to connect printers, scanners and other accessories easily.
Also Read: Activate Windows 7
4. Unmatched Scalability
Virtual Desktops are known for their flexibility. The number of virtual desktops and desktop- resources can be easily provisioned for and deployed within minutes. Resources including CPU, RAM, and storage often need frequent reconfiguration in line with changing business requirements. It is also possible to scale down the number of resources just as easily.
5. Pay As You Go Prices
In conjunction with the ability to scale resources with a changing workload, third-party cloud service providers such as ACE offer businesses the advantage of a pay-as-you-go pricing plan. As per this pricing model, businesses only have to pay for the number of resources they use. This means bills scale up and down just as business needs do.
6. Zero CapEx
Hosted virtual desktops call for zero capital expenses. The hosted VDI provider sets up the required cloud infrastructure, deploys it and maintains the same on a regular basis. This frees businesses from having to invest in purchase, management, security, and maintenance. High-performing virtual desktops are stored on high-end servers that are equipped with advanced storage infrastructure. If businesses had to acquire these from out of their own budget, their ability to run day-to-day operations would be severely compromised. With hosted virtual desktops, the costs of set-up and maintenance come out of the provider’s pocket.
7. Solid Data Backup Capabilities
Hosted virtual desktops from reputed providers such as ACE come with the benefit of 30-day data backup support. This support extends to all devices, and involves data storage on redundant backup servers for improved chances of recovery. In scenarios that call for business continuity, the ability to recover data is critical. Hosted virtual desktops ensure seamless data restoration in the wake of disruptive events. In cases of accidental deletions, files can be easily restored to a backup image.
8. Reliable Security
Hosted virtual desktops work by providing secure access to business data and applications. Competent hosted VDI providers equip virtual desktops with a multi-layered security infrastructure that incorporates protection against DDoS, multi factor authentication, access controls, OS patching, IP filtering, data encryption, firewalls, antivirus, ransomware protection software, and many more.
