How VDI Benefits Any Size Company

With virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), the desktop computer environment is separated from the physical computer by using virtual machines that are hosted on a centralized server or in the cloud. Instead of working on individual PCs or laptops, employees connect to a virtual PC from any device.

VDI can be on-premises or in the cloud, which is called Desktop as a Service (DaaS). Functioning as a huge data center, the cloud makes many options possible if you have internet access.

Both on-premises VDI and DaaS offer:

• Better productivity.
• Uniform versions and matching user experiences.
• Flexibility, so anything works from any location at any time.
• Security, with many machines controlled/protected rapidly.
• Efficient upgrades, with more resources in the background.

Benefits can vary depending on the size of the company.

Small (10 people)

Since supply chain issues are making it difficult to get hardware for new hires, this could be one way a small company could benefit from VDI. Otherwise, if computer infrastructure already exists in the office, the cost of VDI may be hard to justify. Cost is extremely important to small businesses. Infrastructure management isn’t typically difficult for this size of company; however, VDI can be beneficial when working remotely, on the jobsite and in the cloud. Cloud access can be limited and/or interrupted in low bandwidth locations.

Medium (100 people)

For the medium-sized company, the cloud opens up lucrative possibilities. With VDI, you can communicate and work with larger companies. You also have quick access to a large variety of resources. This can be beneficial to the entire company – marketing, administration, construction, and field personnel. Using an iPAD or ChromeBook for instance, anyone with permissions can have access to data centers. You only need the internet.

In addition, there is no need to worry about upgrades and updates. Management can be accomplished from one location, including software versions and updates for everyone at the same time.  

While hiring and supply chain issues are still challenges for the medium-sized company, the cloud gives you the ability to attract and work with a larger talent pool. Work-from-home has become a driving force in attracting and keeping employees. People can log in and work on your projects from anywhere.

Large (1,000 people)

In addition to the benefits to a medium-sized company, VDI enables a company to control its operational expenses. With the VDI “pay for what you use” model, management can predict ahead of time what expenses will be. The use of VDI rather than repetitive capital investments leads to a predictable budget.

Cloud VDI (DaaS) Solutions

• Workspot – Subscription-based. Commit to the subscription and use it anytime you want. This is a turnkey solution for unlimited use with a flat fee.
• Windows Virtual Desktop (Azure) – Now called Azure Virtual Desktop, this is a “pay while you use” service. It is fully optimized for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. With this do-it-yourself environment, you can reserve time for usage.
• Nutanix Xi Frame – Use of this service is based on tokens, similar to an arcade. Your use can last for as little as a matter of hours. Dedicated NVIDIA graphics processors enable high-performance design work – i.e. AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, and Rhino.

It is recommended that you test each relevant solution with real users and administrators. This is especially important if you have an existing VDI deployment. Testing alternative solutions can give you real insight into the pros and cons before you go through the work of negotiation and integration.

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To learn more, reach out today to the experts of the Applied Software Digital Transformation Team.

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