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What is Virtual Desktop Infrastucture (VDI)?

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Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is defined as the hosting of desktop environments on a central server. The server can be on premise or in the cloud.  It is a form of desktop virtualization, as the specific desktop images run within virtual machines (VMs) and are delivered to end clients over a network or the cloud. Users can view these virtual desktops from PCs, tablets, thin clients or even a smart phone. VDI gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere. Provisioning a new “desktop” takes minutes rather than an hour or more.

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What are the benefits of VDI?

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  • Access.  The most distinguishing feature of VDI is remote access. Traditional desktops are restricted to a single system. As soon as you are away from the system, you cannot access your desktop anymore. With VDI, you can access your desktop from anywhere, day or night.

  • Security.  Another vital aspect of VDI is security. Conventionally, your operating system, applications and data are all stored on your local hardware like laptops or PCs. If the computer is stolen or damaged, all the data is lost. The computer will need to be replaced, installed and configured.With VDI, a remote data center stores the data with high-level redundancy, you do not need to worry about data loss. Even if you lose the device, you can access your desktop from any other device.

  • Device Portability.  VDI technology enables you to access your desktop from various devices. As in the case of VDI, the desktop is not bound to the hardware; it can be accessed from multiple devices. You can use mobile phones, laptops, tablets or thin clients to view your desktop.

  • Easy Desktop Provisioning.   Since with VDI you do not have to configure each system manually, it very easy to provision the desktops in VDI. The virtual desktops can be provisioned almost instantaneously.

  • Data Center Facilities.  When you use VDI from a cloud service provider, the desktops are hosted on servers located in high-performance data centers. You get all the facilities and features associated with the data center such as advanced security, high-end infrastructure and disaster recovery plan among others.

  • Cost Reduction.  With VDI services from a cloud provider, you eliminate the cost of hardware. You can access your desktop from any device and can use the most outdated hardware in your office. A thin client, mobile or tablet can also be used for the same purpose.

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For more information on VDI solutions, contact the TIC Help Desk at (617) 884-1086

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