VIRTUALISATION

Budget cuts, mobile working, remote admin, cloud computing

Realise the benefits of desktop virtualisation

Virtualisation has become fashionable in every IT department. Increasing IT performance in a climate where potential for additional server investment frowned upon required solutions that could squeeze additional power out of existing machines. Server virtualisation has provided the answer.

But we think the money is now in desktop virtualisation, or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Your organisation is probably gauging the potential of, if not using, public and private cloud infrastructures. Your users just want information wherever they are and you need to be able to remotely administer IT. You’re probably also considering how you can reduce desktop IT costs, through things like PC to thin client or zero client replacement.

A virtual desktop infrastructure provides the answer. According Gartner, hosted services accounted for more than 500,000 desktop units in March 2009 but will grow to 49 million desktop units by 2013.

But a virtual desktop infrastructure must be developed carefully as there are pitfalls to avoid, including potential security risks if the network is not well managed. Device and peripheral drivers must also be managed virtually, not physically. Power users needing to run complex applications need dedicated desktop performance and can’t just log in to any old machine. It’s not without its issues.

Planning and operating a VDI must be approached with care and attention so that it doesn’t become a virtual weight on the IT manager’s shoulders.