Virtualization has been the talk of the computing world for it has modified and transformed many facets in the IT field. Virtualization can be referred as modifying or creating a virtual version of storage device, hardware or operating system, network in terms of computing. Desktop virtualization is a virtualization technology that separates a computer desktop environment from a physical computer. It is like you can interact with a virtual desktop in the same way you would use a physical desktop. This virtualization is considered to be a type of client-server computing model as the virtualized desktop is stored on a centralized or remote server and not on the physical machine. Many companies have started up this powerful solution in their business to reduce the administrative and management workloads and to protect from potential dangers.
virtual desktop infrastructur (VDI) is a desktop virtualization technique that helps users to run desktop operating systems and applications inside virtual machines that resides on a server in the data center. Desktop operating systems inside virtual machines are referred to as virtual desktops. With the help of these virtual desktops, availability and efficiency of resources and applications can be improved. It is reported that about 70% of a typical IT budget in a non-virtualized data center applies for maintenance with a little or none left for innovation. But Virtual desktops bring transition from ‘one server, one application’ model to running multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine, thereby reducing the maintenance costs and safeguarding the resources.
VDI has become a major necessity because the rapid evolution in technology, agility in business processes and data storage requirements make it difficult for businesses to stay competitive with the existing resources. In enterprises, managing a great nemuber of computing desktops is a hard task. Involving virtual desktops instead of laptops can save huge sums on infrastructure maintenance. Also it promotes multi-tasking with several applications running on a single physical server. VDI reduces the management tasks, provides network security, can easily back up data and power consumption can also be minimized.
Different architectures are available for virtual desktops but the most popular is a configuration with a client connecting to a server running the virtual desktop. VDI simulates a copy of desktop with its OS, software applications document and other data that are stored and run entirely from the server. Users can access their desktop remotely from an endpoint device, just like they access on a physical one. Few components are necessary for desktop virtualization.
-Physical PC(s)/ server(s) is a physical environment in which all data are executed and stored.
-Hypervisor (virtual machine manager) is software capable of creating and hosting multiple virtual machines.
-Virtual desktop agent is a connection broker to manage the desktop and for connection to the user’s client device through a remote session protocol. It usually consists of management console and remote desktop display protocol.
-Client machines / endpoint device is a physical device used to see and control the user’s virtual desktop.
The PC/servers use the hypervisor to create a virtual machine that simulates the same capabilities of the physical desktop computers. Virtual machines connect over LAN to specialized endpoint devices at the user’s location that are in turn connected to peripherals to make a complete system.
SUNDE is a global provider of zero client endpoint for VDI with their own, free proprietary protocol: SUNDE-VDI for communication and uses VirtualBox (hypervisor) for creating virtual machines. SUNDE-VDI provides better performance; video play is fast, smooth, seamless and of high quality in LAN environment. These require efficient bandwidth and stable network environment.
Benefits:
--It only takes less than fifteen minutes to set up a new VDI workstation than a traditional one and user training is not required. A library of VDI images can be created within the data centre forming a common pool and they can be monitored, backed up, upgraded or updated and utilized due to the centralized control and scalable management.
--More cost effective since purchase and replacement costs, warranty fees can be saved as VDI lasts longer (typically 7-10 years). Less power consumption and reduced emission of carbons save huge expenses. No local PC storage and data loss due to hardware failures or theft of laptops can be eliminated.
--Security management, monitoring and control over clients and network ensure data security. Troubleshooting problems and modifying configurations of desktop resources occur rapidly without travelling to user’s location. Virtual desktops appear flexible and are customized with specific settings of users’ choice. Multiple OS can co-exist on the same server and reduces conflicts.
--Desktop virtualization is an emerging state of art in the computing technology which has become a deadly need of every IT company.VDI must be adopted by companies because of the following key drivers: providing a native Windows desktop and decreasing cost of ownership (TCO). Also it provides minimized dependency, agility in business and network security.