VDI (Desktop Virtualization) can realize security enhancement, efficiency improvement, cost reduction, etc. in operation management by consolidating the desktop environment on the client (user) side to the server.
Here, we will introduce specific merits and introduction methods that will not fail.
table of contents
- 1. What is Desktop Virtualization in the first place?
- 2. There are two types of introduction
- 3. Differences between Desktop Virtualization and thin clients
- 4. Four benefits of deploying Desktop Virtualization
- 5. I also want to know the disadvantages of Desktop Virtualization
- 6. Points to note from failure cases
What is VDI in the first place?
VDI is a mechanism that keeps the functions of the terminal used by the client to the minimum necessary and runs applications etc. on the server. Sometimes referred to as “desktop virtualization” or “client virtualization”. By using desktop virtualization, the client’s desktop environment can be reflected on another computer or tablet device. In other words, you can run your desktop environment wherever you are. With the development of network technology in recent years, VDI has rapidly become widespread.
There are two forms of introduction
There are two methods for introducing VDI, “cloud type” and “on-premises type”. The major difference between these two options is the mode of operation of the system.
● For cloud type
Cloud-based VDI is a method of outsourcing the server to the provider’s data center. Sometimes called DaaS (Desktop as a service). The big advantage of the cloud type is that you can use the virtual desktop service that has already been used as it is. In other words, it can be introduced quickly without any special effort. The disadvantage is that it is difficult to customize the environment according to the company’s system and usage because the specifications and plans are fixed to some extent.
● For on-premises type
The on-premises type is a method in which a server is built in the company’s data center for VDI and operated independently. Since everything is completed in-house, there are advantages such as free configuration changes and flexible settings. The disadvantages are the effort and cost of initial construction.
Differences between VDI and thin clients
A word that is often confused with VDI is “thin client.” To briefly explain the thin client, it is a system in which most of the processing is done on the server-side and only the minimum processing is done on the client-side. Most of the processing is done on the server side, so no data remains on the client-side.
You may be wondering, “In other words, is it the same as VDI?” VDI is one of the thin clients. There are two types of thin clients, network boot type and screen transfer type, but for VDI, it is screen transfer type.
Four benefits of deploying VDI
1. Increase productivity
With VDI, you can easily build the environment that users want for each client terminal. If you create a virtual desktop on the server that suits your purpose, you can access it anytime, anywhere. For example, you can do the same work outside the company as you do inside the company. Being able to work anywhere in this way will play a major role in improving productivity.
2. Prevent information leakage
Nowadays, security damage such as information leakage is becoming more serious, and users are required to be highly aware of security. Meanwhile, when working with VDI, no work data remains on the client terminal. In the unlikely event that your device is lost or stolen, you can prevent information leaks.
3. Cost reduction can be realized
VDI can centrally manage client terminals. Therefore, security measures can be taken efficiently and thoroughly, and labor costs can be reduced by simplifying the labor of OS patch updates and software updates. In other words, you can keep operating costs down. However, you need to be careful about the introduction cost. When introducing VDI, it is said that the market price is about 150,000 to 300,000 yen per unit including the cost of environment construction.
4. Realization of a new way of working is possible
In recent years, work style reform has become a hot topic. Meanwhile, VDI can be used not only in-house but also at home, on the go, in satellite offices, etc. Therefore, it is possible to support various work styles. For example, you can work from home even if employees cannot come to work in the event of a disaster. It is also useful for BCP (Business Continuity Plan) because you can proceed with business regardless of the location even if you cannot use your existing client terminal.
I also want to know about the disadvantages of VDI
If there are merits, there are also disadvantages. A typical example of the disadvantage of deploying VDI is that it requires a lot of resources on the server-side. Although client terminals are not required to have high performance and multi-functionality, they require a large number of resources on the server-side. For that reason, the cost tends to increase in the on-premises type. It also has the disadvantage of being prone to a single point of failure that affects the entire system. If something goes wrong on the server-side, all client terminals will be affected.
VDI has both merits and demerits, but it is a very useful mechanism if you want to improve productivity, prevent information leakage, and reduce costs. However, please consider the introduction after fully understanding the disadvantages.
Points to note from failure cases
After the introduction of VDI, the most common failure cases that occur are cases such as “response drops on a specific terminal”.
If the response is slow on a specific device, it is often caused by the specific application used on that device. You need to check the operation of the application individually. Also, depending on how you use it, VDI will have a very low CPU processing environment. For example, if you are creating tabs for multiple browsers. The workaround is to explain the correct usage to the user or add resources to a level that can withstand such usage.
In addition, even if the response is not degraded, there are cases where the user feels the response is degraded because the user used a high-spec PC in the past. In such cases, it is necessary to explain the fact that “no anomalies have occurred”.
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