Now that programs such as the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative are urging organizations to cut down on server sprawl and make the most of available resources, there's been plenty of buzz surrounding virtual desktop infrastructure as a way to bolster efficiency. The benefits of desktop virtualization are well understood by any in-the-know IT administrator, but you may be overlooking some powerful advantages of this technology that could revolutionize the way you organize workflow and deliver applications to end users. Here are three lesser-known VDI benefits:
1. BYOD efforts get a needed boost: Even if your mobility strategy has proven reliable, there are always ways to improve the end user experience and increase network resilience across remote access environments, no matter what device is being used. A recent article from CIO pointed out that by supporting teleworkers and other off-premise users with VDI, you can retain total control of the apps and data that circulate through the extended network. The source noted that greater visibility into these services can bring a more collaborative feel to mobile device management, which can bridge gaps between IT and other departments.
"The consumerization of IT has enabled workers the freedom to choose their own devices," Paul Parke, vice president of product and corporate marketing at 1E, told the news provider. "IT needs to become more user-centric in order to embrace users that really have gotten rather indifferent to the services and technology provided by IT."
2. Resource-heavy apps find a home: VDI may have begun as a way to deliver core functionality to highly dispersed workforces, but the technology has now been optimized to do a lot more than offer Excel and Exchange applications on smartphones and tablets. Virtualization news and support provider DABCC recently highlighted a trend bringing graphics-intensive applications to end users via VDI, suggesting that you may be able to free those resource-hogging services from their desktop chains soon enough.
While heavy graphics apps tend to cause issues when delivered in mobile settings, virtual machines now operate with almost zero latency, making it easy for industrial engineering, architecture and creative design tools to function in remote access environments. Soon enough, you'll be able to leverage the same level of functionality on mobile devices as can be found on high-powered desktop towers. This will bring remote users into a new era of flexibility, as they can take big projects on the go and not worry about performance hitches or a shortage of mobile features.
3. Added data protection capabilities: An article from Smart Data Collective pointed out that 90 percent of stolen digital information is swiped from organization servers, which make easy targets for cyberattackers who can identify physical locations of key data stores. When applications are virtualized, data isn't stored on end user devices, making it challenging for hackers to execute their tried and true strategies. The source explained that while VMs can still fall victim to attacks, administrators have the ability to instantly quarantine or destroy instances before they cause bigger problems.
"The consumerization of IT has enabled workers the freedom to choose their own devices," Paul Parke, vice president of product and corporate marketing at 1E, told the news provider. "IT needs to become more user-centric in order to embrace users that really have gotten rather indifferent to the services and technology provided by IT."
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