Desktop virtualization or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a server-centric computing model that borrows from the traditional thin-client model but is designed to give system administrators and end-users the best of both worlds: the ability to host and centrally manage desktop virtual machines in the data center while giving end users a full PC desktop experience.[1]
The user experience is intended to be identical to that of a standard PC, but from a thin client device or similar, from the same office or remotely.
Many commercial solutions also add the ability to switch some incoming client sessions (using connection broker software) towards traditional shared desktop systems such as Microsoft's Terminal Services or Citrix's application servers, blade servers or even to individual unused physical desktop computers.
Rationale
Installing and maintaining separate PC workstations is complex, and traditionally users have almost unlimited ability to install or remove software. Corporate information technology departments, and users have therefore often used Terminal Services or Citrix's Presentation Server to provide a stable, "locked down" desktop environment out to the user, who could be either using a regular desktop PC, or a small, quiet and robust thin client.
Desktop virtualization provides many of the advantages of a terminal server, but (if so desired and configured by system administrators) can provide users much more flexibility. Each, for instance might be allowed to install and configure their own applications. Users also gain the ability to access their server-based virtual desktop from other locations.
Advantages
- Instant provisioning of new desktops
- Near-zero downtime in the event of hardware failures
- Significant reduction in the cost of new application deployment
- Robust desktop image management capabilities
- Normal 2-3 year PC refresh cycle extended to 5-6 years or more
- Existing desktop-like performance including multiple monitors, bi-directional audio/video, streaming video, USB support etc.
- Ability to access the users' enterprise desktop environment from any PC, (including the employee's home PC)
- Desktop computing power on demand
- Multiple desktops on demand
- Self provisioning of desktops (controlled by policies)
- Zero downtime in the event of client failure
Desktops as a service
Desktops as a service is the provision of desktop virtualization as a service; "transforming desktops into a cloud service". There are "a number of different approaches" based on "local (or distributed) execution and those that leverage centralized (or remote) execution".[2].
In May 2007, Desktone applied to trademark the term "desktops as a service" (U.S. Trademark 77,186,739) in the United States. As of 19 June 2008: "A non-final action has been mailed. This is a letter from the examining attorney requesting additional information and/or making an initial refusal. However, no final determination as to the registrability of the mark has been made."
Products
References
- ^ http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/open_source/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=186700321
- ^ Desktops as a Service (DaaS) and Cloud Computing – An Overview
- ^ "Kidaro is now part of Microsoft".
- ^ "Microsoft to Expand Investment in Desktop Virtualization With Acquisition of Kidaro".
- ^ Joe Hernick. "Does WebOS = Virtualization?".
External links
|
