May 14, 2014
In today’s business environment it is no longer necessary for companies to maintain a vast network of IT infrastructure. In the past, desktop computers for each individual employee required installation, preparation and maintenance. With each computer there is an operating system to be installed, patches to be downloaded to keep it running, and IT monitoring required, ensuring each unit remains free of viruses and malware. This creates high costs and demands a large portion of time for an organization’s IT staff.
This environment is not uncommon in many businesses today. However, there is a solution available that reduces this type of infrastructure’s cost and support requirements, for businesses of all sizes: Desktop Virtualization Platforms.
Whether you operate a small or medium-sized business, or work at one of the largest corporations in the world, there are benefits to desktop virtualization that can be realized by your business. Below you’ll find five of the most valuable benefits to desktop virtualization experienced by companies that have made the switch.
#1: Reduced Costs
Money makes the world go round, so let’s address this primary benefit to desktop virtualization first. Although each employee still needs a physical device to access a virtual desktop, there are significant savings that can be realized from desktop virtualization. First and foremost, your company can begin saving on software licensing and application costs.
Rather than paying these costs for each machine on your network, a virtualized desktop platform allows multiple users to access the software. Additionally, your company can save money by redirecting its IT department’s priorities. Rather than requiring IT staff to service desktops and solve user problems, your IT department can remain productive and focused on more important priorities.
Reduced operating costs are not the only cost-saving benefit of desktop virtualization though. In fact, benefits 2-5 on this list all contribute to cost reductions, while providing additional value.
#2: Flexibility
Desktop virtualization platforms make it easier for your company to expand when new employees are hired. Rather than spending a whole day installing software, adding patches and preparing network connectivity, an IT administrator can get a new employee’s machine up and running with just a few clicks.
On top of that, your network administrators and IT staff can personalize and manage virtual desktops for any number of employees via a centralized interface. This process saves you time and money.
#3: Streamlined Maintenance
Maintaining virtual desktops is much easier, and faster, for your IT staff. As workers logout of the system, their desktop can be scheduled for a reset that removes any downloaded software or customizations made to the computer that day. If, for example, an employee accidently downloads something malicious that bogs down or freezes their unit, a simple restart will clear the download and quickly restore a functioning desktop.
At the same time, IT staff can schedule automated upgrades and updates. Through this process the equipment is able to maintain a better productivity level and troubleshooting becomes much simpler.
#4: Improved Security
This particular benefit to desktop virtualization ties into the previous point, efficient maintenance. From time to time employees will unknowingly, or knowingly, download malicious content on their work computer. It could be something as simple as a PowerPoint presentation, but the moment they do the system is at risk.
With a desktop virtualization platform your IT administrators can set permissions for downloads system-wide that prevent documents from allowing malicious content into the system. In addition to peace of mind, you are also lowering ongoing maintenance costs.
#5: Secure Access on the Go
Last but not least, desktop virtualization platforms allow for increased access to the office and work applications for employees regardless of their physical location, with greater security. Employees are increasingly allowed to remotely access their work desktop from mobile devices at home and on the road, but this creates a security nightmare for the IT department.
A desktop virtualization platform will allow your employees to access work applications on the go, from any device. This infrastructure is able to ensure those devices securely access the virtual desktop, no matter where the employee is attempting to login.
Desktop Virtualization
When it comes to adopting a desktop virtualization platform, all the potential benefits add up to increased productivity and reduced costs. Your employees will be able to remotely, and securely, access work applications anytime from anywhere. Additionally, your IT department can lessen time spent on security concerns, operating system updates and general maintenance, and focus on important business initiatives. Request a consultation with a Virtualization Specialist.
