Virtual Desktops Offer Flexibility for Remote Workers
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the hosting of desktops in a virtual environment instead of running a desktop service directly on your device. Cloud-based VDI is called DaaS (Desktop as a Service). The virtual desktop is stored in a cloud-based server and delivered to end clients through the network. Simply connect to your company’s network in the office or remotely through a secure connection, enter your credentials, and like magic—their desktop appears! Your stored files, favorite web browser, and even your applications are there. What’s the advantage of using DaaS, a virtual cloud-based desktop, instead of running the operating system already on your laptop? Let’s look at several benefits.
Benefits for Remote Workers
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Increased accessibility. Perhaps the greatest benefit for your workforce is accessibility. You can access your desktops from any device, at any location, at any time. Users, who have access to the network via internet, can work from any location or device, and readily have access to their applications and documents. Since your virtual desktop runs on a centralized cloud-based server and not the actual device, your desktop is just a few clicks away. |
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Increased productivity. With a uniform virtualized desktop, digital tools can be provided from a single display. A system administrator can resolve issues like lost files or program issues without accessing your device. If you’re having hardware issues, you can log in to your desktop on a different device to continue your work, and then resume when the problem is fixed. |
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Increased security. With a virtual desktop, users first need to connect securely to access their desktop. Then, their desktop is virtualized, from the e-mail server to the web browser and everything in between. You know that endpoint devices are the most vulnerable when it comes to network security. For example, if you forget to connect to your company’s network securely, and you open a malicious email attachment, you have just unintentionally exposed your network to hackers! With a virtual desktop you have a centralized security point that’s constantly scanning information as it passes through. The chance of unauthorized access or an attack is minimized. |
How to Get Started
To take advantage of cloud based VDI or DaaS, your corporate network should be connected to the cloud using either Virtual Private Network (VPN) or dedicated links. This allows the remote users to access the VDI image from any PC; the VDI image will then access the corporate network. This eliminates troubleshooting VPN client compatibility on the end-user’s PC.
TEC offers a menu of VDI solutions, with varied features to consider, and can help guide your virtual desktop infrastructure selection.
- Amazon’s WorkSpaces supports both Windows and Linux. The Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure allows you to scale quickly to a virtually unlimited amount of VDI resources.
- AWS AppStream 2.0 is similar to AWS Workspaces. It allows users to stream applications to their home PCs. For example, Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) intensive 3D-design software can run on AppStream, and streamed to your end user’s home PC.
- Cisco’s Hyperflex VDI solution can help on-premise users, providing compute, storage and networking on one platform. This highly redundant solution can be combined with other VMs (Virtual Machines) to eliminate your current server hardware and storage.
- Microsoft Azure provides Windows Virtual Desktops as a VDI solution. Windows Desktops are deployed within its own Azure private virtual network. Azure provides PaaS (Platform as a Service), handles infrastructure so developers can focus on applications, and offers pay-as-you-go pricing.
You’ll Need SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network)
Regardless of which solution you choose, SD-WAN implementation becomes essential for a successful migration. In simple terms, it’s an overlay technology to an existing configuration; it uses a centralized control function to direct traffic across the WAN. SD-WAN allows you to dynamically increase bandwidth for your cloud-based applications. As your cloud grows, SD-WAN can scale to meet your increased user demand. If you’re attracted to the benefits of VDI but haven’t yet made the jump to SD-WAN, this is a good place to start your journey and TEC is here to help.
With VDI, your company can reduce technology and administration costs while enhancing security, backup, and the user experience.
To understand how this TEC solution could work for you, call us at 440.333.5903 or go to tec4it.com.
TEC Communications is a Cisco Premier Certified Partner and trusted IT solutions provider that celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2019.