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November 21, 2022

What is Virtual Desktop and how does it work?

Facilitating remote work for a company’s employees has become critical to the smooth running of the company’s operations.

Virtual desktop solutions enable enhanced mobility and remote access, as well as ensure the security and flexibility of working across multiple devices and networks. They provide significant advantages over physical desktops, and today we show you the keys to improving hybrid work in your company with Virtual Desktop.

What is a Virtual Desktop

A virtual desktop is a desktop virtualization service and includes cloud applications. It is achieved through a software emulation of a device and runs on a virtual device in a remote location.

This virtual desktop is very much focused on teleworking and allows users to access their documents and computers remotely over a network. To implement a virtual desktop infrastructure or VDI, you must first investigate the needs of employees and prepare the network infrastructure.

How it works

VDI uses server hardware to operate and run an operating system or software. Once the user logs in, a connection broker takes the user to the virtual desktop. An administrator can disconnect the user from the virtual machine if they are no longer using it.

VDIs can be persistent or non-persistent:

  • Persistent: as if it were a physical computer, the connection is always to the same virtual desktop, which can be customized. When the user reconnects, it has the same configuration the user left when logging off the last time. It’s like having a physical computer but in the cloud.
  • Non-persistent: When logging in, the configuration is always preset. It is not customizable and is therefore cheaper. It is an ideal VDI for reiterative and ephemeral tasks, such as log queries.

What is it used for

A VDI is ideal for companies with a robust telework implementation, as it is easy to install a virtual desktop for remote access. The same is true for companies with continuous shift work (e.g., call centers) requiring the same software or desktop access.

What are the advantages of VDI in the company?

  • Centralization of desktop management in an individual department. This makes maintaining and updating systems easier: end users do not need to bring physical devices to the office.
  • Increased data security. The data is not on the employee’s device but on an external server. Thus, if the gadget is stolen, the information is more protected.
  • Ease of mobile access for employees. As we have seen before, a VDI allows access to the company’s tools from any authorized device. This improves teleworking and quick response to emergencies.
  • Cost reduction and contribution to the environment. Un móvil, una tableta… A cell phone, a tablet… Access from any device eliminates the need for specific or more powerful equipment, which would increase the company’s expenses. At the same time, they are more sustainable than traditional energy-saving equipment.

VDI by sector

VDI can be applied to numerous industries. We have already seen the example of call centers, but there are more. For instance, in healthcare: hospitals and other healthcare facilities must carefully protect sensitive data while at the same time accessing it from, for example, a doctor’s office or a ward where a patient is admitted.

On the other hand, in addition to call centers, a non-persistent virtual desktop can be used in other areas where you log out and do not need to save configuration changes. For example, in search applications for archives, libraries

Windows Virtual Desktop

Windows Virtual Desktop belongs to this group of virtual desktops and offers a cloud application service that provides a complete virtualized and native Windows 10 experience.

It is the virtual desktop infrastructure that offers the best simplified and scalable management, with optimizations for Office 365, support for remote desktop services, application virtualization, security, etc.

Azure Virtual Desktop

We have already talked about Windows Virtual Desktop being hosted in the cloud, so Microsoft has decided to change its name to Azure Virtual Desktop. This new version offers compatibility with Windows 11, in addition to a renewed and scalable experience for multiple sessions.

Azure Virtual Desktop allows us to save costs by using previously held Windows licenses that meet the following requirements.

Azure Virtual Desktop Features

This platform offers virtual desktops and remote applications that facilitate flexibility, with the following main features:

  • Windows 11 desktops and applications for anywhere.
  • Built-in intelligent security that detects threats and takes corrective action.
  • Deployment and scaling in just minutes.
  • Cost reduction by using existing licenses and paying only for what you use.
  • Manage Windows 10, Windows Server, and Windows 7 desktops and applications with a unified management experience.
  • Migrate existing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Windows Server applications and desktops to any computer.
  • Virtualizing an enterprise’s Microsoft 365 applications and optimizing them to run in multi-user virtual scenarios.

Benefits Azure Virtual Desktop

The advantages of using Azure Virtual Desktop are very numerous and we have already mentioned some of them above, but the most important ones are:

  • Improved flexibility: by migrating our infrastructure to the cloud, we simplify operations for users and technical staff, helping them to access their desktops and applications from anywhere and on any device.
  • Cost savings: elimination of the need to invest in ICT infrastructure and licenses.
  • Smoother Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Office experience: you get the same local desktop or laptop experience when using any application (Outlook, OneDirve, or Teams).
  • Citrix and VMware infrastructure modernization: this allows you to maximize investments and expertise by integrating into existing desktop and application virtualization environments through hybrid deployments.

Virtual Desktop Solutions

Beyond Azure Virtual Desktop, other virtual desktop options include.

Virtual Desktop Oculus

This option gives the possibility to connect wirelessly to one or several computers to watch movies, surf the Internet, play games on a giant virtual screen, or stream PCVR games.

Your Virtual Desktop is a highly optimized native application, developed for low latency and high-quality transmission.

Virtual Desktop Quest

Similar to Oculus, this virtual desktop gives us the option to access the computer through the Quest VR headset viewer. Options range from games to movies stored on the device, a variety of different virtual environments, or browsing the Internet.

Virtual Desktop Streamer

From the same creators of Quest, we find Virtual Desktop Streamer, an application that allows you to stream content from your PC to your headset via Wi-Fi. Once connected, it opens a window that reveals all the applications installed on the computer. They can be started there, and the device will take care of opening the necessary applications.

 

We help you get the best telework platform for your company, improve user experience, security, and reduce complexity and costs. Let’s talk!

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Elena Canorea
Author
Elena Canorea
Communications Lead