Desktop Virtualization means that a user’s desktop environment including, the icons, wallpaper, windows, folders, toolbars, widgets, etc. is stored remotely on a server instead of a local PC or other client computing device. A virtual desktop is an operating system that does not run directly and only on the endpoint hardware from which a user is accessing it. These are accessible through client software installed directly on an endpoint device, which presents the desktop to the user and allows them to interact with it by just using a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and peripherals. Desktop Virtualization separates the desktop operating systems, applications, and other data from the hardware device, and stores this “virtual desktop” on a remote server.
The remote server runs on a software called a hypervisor to support the virtual desktop and to create a “virtual machine” that simulates the user’s desktop environment and capabilities. Users access their desktop remotely, over the Internet, from any client device in the virtual desktop environment.
Why it matters- Over the next three years, 71% of the companies will have virtualized desktops for the reason that desktop virtualization delivers accessible on-demand desktops to users anytime, anywhere, on any device. That gives employees full access to their actual business desktops from multiple devices, like their home PC, smartphone, or iPad. Easy access to a virtualized desktop encourages people to be more productive because with this technology, all they need to work now is a good internet connection, and they can work anytime from anywhere.
Virtual desktops reduce desktop management time and tech-support costs. They also reduce the time it takes to furnish new desktops. It is an estimation that maintaining and managing PC hardware and software sums for 50 to 70 percent of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a typical computer system. Companies are turning to virtual desktops to cut these IT costs.
Virtual desktops eliminate the need to install, update and patch applications, backup files, and scan for viruses on individual client devices up to much extent as everything is centrally-managed, stored, and secured in virtual desktops. Additionally, it also helps to streamline the management of software assets.
Virtual desktops also add greatly to the security of an organization. With the implementation of virtual desktops, employees aren’t carrying confidential company data around on a personal device that could easily be lost, stolen, or tampered with. For example, adherence to privacy regulations is of utter importance in industries such as healthcare. The virtual desktops give medical personnel access to patient records in such industries without giving worry about confidential information downloaded. The user data is backed up centrally and regularly in virtual desktops, which also provides data integrity benefits.
All of these advantages of desktop virtualization have made corporates choose this secure, convenient, more productive way of functioning.
