November 10, 2014
Desktop virtualization, simply stated, separates your desktop and application environment from your physical computer. This form of virtualization usually connects a network of computers to a server farm or hub, which is often offsite, in the cloud. This technology can transform the way your business makes use of technology and can increase security, reduce expenses and boost productivity. Here is a quick overview of how:
Collaboration
Virtual Desktops make it much simpler for employees to collaborate. Programs, data and documents are accessible via a central server farm from any computer connected to the Internet. Information, files and software can be used and shared by multiple people. Reviewing files, updating and printing tasks become much easier because access is universal.
Efficient Maintenance
It’s much easier and faster for your IT staff to maintain a pool of virtual desktops compared to a single physical desktop. Desktops can be scheduled for a reset once workers log off and any accidental or unapproved downloads can be erased, reducing the risk of malicious software being downloaded by employees. This simple reset will immediately restore a functioning desktop to its original state. Automated updates and upgrades can lead to better IT productivity as maintenance tasks are streamlined and can easily be tested and rolled back if necessary.
Enhanced/Automated Security Measures
Efficient maintenance leads to better security. IT staff can set up host- or server-farm-based antimalware and antivirus scanner security solutions. These purpose built security appliances scan and mitigate all virtual desktops residing on the parent host, resulting in reduced overhead coming from duplicate CPU cycles that traditional AV solutions require. This, in turn, cycles back to efficient maintenance, which leads to reduced maintenance costs.
On-Demand Flexibility
In fact, desktop virtualization increases on-demand flexibility for most IT tasks. Here are just a few that haven’t already been mentioned:
- System administrators can easily manage, maintain and personalize virtual desktops for every employee via a central interface.
- Patching and preparing virtual desktops can now be completed in minutes, rather than hours.
- Test out new applications or patches with a small group before deploying to the entire company. Reverting back to the original or deploying the changes to the entire company can then be done with a few simple clicks.
Increased Efficiency
Desktop virtualization benefits extend to non-IT staff as well; it allows for increased efficiency across your workforce. Staff can securely access applications, files and folders while on the go, regardless of their physical location, without leading to a security nightmare for the IT department. Cross-platform access is also supported, ensuring that staff can utilize whatever device at their disposal to securely access their virtual desktop.
Application Compatibility
Just because new Operating System versions are released doesn’t mean your application will support them. By separating the application from the operating system you are able to run your current application version on any new operating system from day 1.
Want to test out new application updates and patches side by side with the current before rolling out to everyone? With Application Virtualization you can. Multiple versions of an application can be sandboxed from each other, allowing greater flexibility and testing before being put into production.
Accommodates Growth
Desktop virtualization can make it much easier to expand as a company. Changing software, hiring new employees and handling updates won’t require extended IT hours to be dedicated to these tasks.
As your business grows, desktop virtualization can keep pace. For new employees, all you need to do is provide access to your server farm; any device can be instantly populated with everything your employees need to accomplish their assigned tasks, with little to no end user device interaction.
When new programs and software are required, the entire workforce can have access to the applications. Or, these installations can be limited to specific departments or individual workers with just a few clicks of the mouse.
Finally, if virtualization is cloud-based, storage space can easily be added or subtracted based on your specific business needs. This not only saves time, but ensures you are only paying for the resources you need.
Recap of Reduced Expenses
Virtualization can help reduce costs for your business. Software licensing and application fees are often significantly reduced through desktop virtualization. And additionally, IT staff hours can be better spent on more important issues, rather than unique desktop maintenance and troubleshooting.
Desktop virtualization has an abundance of benefits, as you can now see. In addition to increasing reliability and accessibility, there are significant monetary savings opportunities when businesses make use of this technology. To discuss virtualization options for your business, request a consultation with a virtualization expert.
