What is the virtual desktop environment?

A virtual desktop environment (VDE) is a computing model in which a complete desktop operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, executes and is controlled in a centralized data center. The virtual desktop image is then transferred to an endpoint device by a network, where the user is able to interface with the operating system and the applications as if they were installed locally.

Specifically, in a VDE, this means that the desktop environment ‘exists’ independently of the device used to interact with it. This leads to several advantages, such as security, centralization, and flexibility.

Types of Virtual Desktop Environments

There are two main types of virtual desktop environments:

- Persistent Virtual Desktops: Also referred to as dedicated desktops, persistent virtual desktops are operating system images built and reserved for the individual. These desktops retain the user's environment and profile, so when the user logs in, all his/her applications, preferences, quick links, and documents are retrieved.

- Nonpersistent Virtual Desktops: More commonly known as stateless virtual desktops, these do not save all the content a user may have in their virtual memory. Every time a user logs in, he acquires a new clone of the master copy of a generic virtual desktop. At the end of each session, the desktop reverts to its original state.

Components of a Virtual Desktop Environment

A VDE consists of several key components working together to deliver the virtual desktop experience:

1. Hypervisor: The hypervisor is the software layer responsible for creating, executing, and managing virtual machines, which are Containers for the individual virtual desktop.

2. Connection Broker: The connection broker works similarly to the user-server access brokers; after a client embraces the VDE, the connection broker helps the client obtain a virtual desktop out of the available pool.

3. Virtual Machines: Virtual machines are host-based objects that contain virtual desktops in the data center. One server can support many VMs.

4. Endpoint Devices: Endpoint devices, such as PCs, tablets, or thin client terminals, must always be connected to the centrally managed server to access virtual desktops.

Benefits of a Virtual Desktop Environment

1. Improved Security: These sessions do not allow the introduction of data and applications into endpoint devices, lowering the chances of data corruption and leakage.

2. Centralized Management: Multiple sites can be centralized in terms of virtual desktops; hence, the centralization of applications makes working easier and allows for easy updates and maintenance.

3. Increased Flexibility: Virtual desktops can be easily assigned and configured, so organizations will not have to allocate physical machines where they are unlikely to be needed for a long time.

4. Cost Savings: Compared to conventional desktop environments, virtual desktops have certain cost-related benefits, such as lower maintenance costs and fewer physical implementation requirements.

5. Enhanced User Mobility: Virtual desktops can be accessed from almost any approved and compatible endpoint in any location, supporting remote work and user mobility.

Use Cases for Virtual Desktop Environments

Virtual desktop environments are beneficial for various types of workers across numerous industries, including:

- Remote employees

- Hybrid workers

- Contractors

- Kiosk and task workers

- Field technicians

- Medical professionals

- Teachers

These users use VDEs to access a secure and authentic virtual desktop from any region and seamlessly accomplish their tasks.

Conclusion

Remote-hosted desktops offer a considerable measure of control and management to the desktops and hence provide better security, flexibility, and cost control. Making the desktop environment release from the physical device also makes it possible for the users to access their desktop environment from any location and at any time. In this way, VDEs offer support to both working from remote and user mobility. As organizations adapt to changing work environments, virtual desktop environments will be increasingly important in enabling secure and efficient access to computing resources.