Desktop Virtualisation

Instead of running desktop PCs, each with their own operating system, applications, local storage, and user profile data, the desktop is run as a Virtual Machine (VM) in a datacentre, and delivered as a service to the end user, creating a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). This requires an increase in the physical resources at the centre (servers and storage).

Benefits:

• Power Savings – Thin (or zero) clients together with the VDI servers consume a tiny fraction of the power of the PCs they replace. Those savings alone can be sufficient to pay back the investment in VDI.
• Virtually zero maintenance at the endpoint - Typically, maintenance of a PC will cost 3 times the purchase cost over its life of 5 years. VDI can bring this down to around 1.2 times*, thereby releasing IT resource to focus on business improvement initiatives. (*IDC data).
• Much extended hardware and software refresh cycle – typically a PC is written off in 3-4 years (that’s the hardware plus the OEM licence). A thin client will last possibly double this time and a zero client even longer.
• Mobility – VDI supports mobility and access of the user’s desktop through multiple end user devices because the OS, applications, user profiles and data are held at the centre.
• Fast Recovery – Windows and other software does crash from time to time, and can be affected by malware. You can provision a new VM for the user within minutes instead of having to send a technician to the PC, to diagnose, fix, re-build, install and configure as necessary. The corrupted VM can be examined when convenient.
• More Secure Data – Centralising company data means more rigorous protection measures can be applied against malicious and accidental events. Since no data is held at the endpoint, company data cannot be stolen along with a PC. Data is also more likely to be managed by a rigorous backup policy and can be quickly restored.
• Control over Software Builds –Away from a situation where end users can re-configure, load applications, and inadvertently corrupt software to one where software additions, upgrades and re-configurations are managed at the I.T. desk. by appropriately qualified staff. Call Arcus for a discussion on vendors, options and your particular needs.

Next: Storage Virtualisation