Last updated on September 6, 2021
VDI Technology: How It Can Improve IT Infrastructures
What Is VDI Technology?
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) technology is a server-computing architecture where virtual instances of client operating systems and applications are contained within a physical server machine. The virtual sessions (of applications and OSes) are then delivered as snapshots to the end-client workstations.
VDI technology can combine and centralize the computing resources of an organization in a single datacenter, increasing security and data management.
Components of VDI Technology
Hypervisor and connection broker are the components of VDI technology. Virtualization and application virtualization are the technologies used by VDI. These components and technologies are explained below:
Virtualization
Virtualization divides the operating system from the underlying hardware. Without virtualization, the OS is bound to the underlying hardware, thus causing the OS to crash in case of hardware failure. With virtualization, however, a hypervisor is used to separate the layers, thus allowing you to install multiple operating systems on a single server.
Hypervisor
A hypervisor is software that can create a virtualized environment that divides the hardware into multiple virtual machines with their own configuration, applications, and OS. In other words, the hypervisor creates different desktop instances of the VMs, each of which acts as a separate desktop that can be provisioned to users. Hypervisors also have a high availability function, which allows desktop instances to be moved to another server instantaneously if one physical server fails.
Hypervisors can be of the following types:
Type 1 Hypervisor
Runs directly on the physical hardware of the host machine, and is hence called a bare-metal hypervisor. It can access underlying hardware directly and is more efficient and better performing.
Type 2 Hypervisor
Typically installed on top of the existing OS and is called a hosted hypervisor. It can access the underlying hardware through the pre-existing OS and are hence used for client or end-user systems where performance and security are not major concerns.
Connection Broker
As the name suggests, a connection broker is software that allows users to connect, and authenticate to the virtual desktop instances. It tracks active and inactive desktops and provides an idle desktop to a user when a user sends a request to connect to a desktop. When the user is disconnected, the status of the desktop is changed to inactive.
Desktop Pools
A group of similar desktops with a similar configuration, specific functions, and applications are called desktop pools. VDI solutions can be used to create desktop pools for different departments within an organization.
Application Virtualization
Application virtualization is the technology used to create virtualized application images which are then replicated to all virtual desktops of a desktop pool.
How does VDI Technology Work?
The desktop OS environment or application runs on isolated virtual machines (VMs) located on the datacenters, alongside other VMs. VDI allows users to utilize their familiar OS with a particular level of customization. It also makes it simpler for administrators to manage the IT infrastructure adequately.
VDI reduces maintenance and security overheads while allowing optimum use of computing resources. It allows end-users to access their digital workspaces from any device—desktop, laptop, smartphone or thin client—and from any location.
Deployment Challenges to Watch Out For
Deploying VDI technology may require management challenges. Project heads need to ensure the buy-in of users for its adoption. IT managers should consider the following factors while deploying VDI:
- VDI implementations may require IT infrastructure upgrades or changes, which means downtime.
- VDI requires network bandwidth, storage and memory resources, which might lead to necessary server upgrades.
- Depending on the VDI solution, users might need time to get familiar with VDI.
- End-users may be hesitant about VDI adoption due to restrictions on storing private data.
Parallels RAS as a VDI solution
Implementing VDI technology starts with picking out a VDI solution that fits your business needs. Parallels® Remote Application Server (RAS) is so straightforward that many IT admins can set it up with just basic knowledge around virtualization, thanks to powerful smart wizards. The wizards guide you on installing and configuring a fully functional VDI infrastructure in a matter of minutes.
Parallels RAS offers all functionality of both Microsoft Remote Desktop Server (RDS) and VDI under one single license, solving one of the major pain points of planning for VDI technology. In fact, the whole solution is installed and configured from a single pane of glass, alleviating the need for running around or multiple logins to set up the servers.
