Make Way for Desktop Virtualization in the Data Center

A recent report indicates that by the end of 2013, desktop virtualization is going to be adopted in 56% of the companies surveyed. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a great benefit to IT administrators, organizations and employees alike. With this technology, the entire desktop is stored on a server in the data center, and can thus be managed centrally. The users can access their desktop from any device and it is very easy to disconnect from one device, and pick up the session on another device – very much in tune with today’s IT savvy workforce that ought to be able to work anywhere, anytime.

The benefits of virtual desktops for businesses are worth mentioning. This approach leads to a more agile and manageable IT administration, with easier and simpler migrations, better availability and increased security. The on-boarding and disaster recovery process is also speeded up, leading to increased efficiency within the organization.

VDI, however, comes with a cost and complexity overhead that cannot be ignored, and this has prevented its widespread adoption. However, recent advances have led to improvements and innovative ways of increasing the use of VDI. One of the latest techniques is to use appliances to simplify desktop deployments. An option in this area is Dell’s Desktop Virtualization Solutions (DVS) Simplified Appliance, which can handle up to 128 users and can also scale further by adding more appliances. This appliance also makes use of the optimal grid architecture software Citrix® VDI-in-Box®, so as to balance the desktops amongst the different grid servers. As per different publications, users have easily completed desktop setups in as little as 4 hours with this appliance.

Let’s face it, mobility is now a reality that every IT enabled organization and its corresponding data center has to embrace. With leading organizations going the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) way, and promoting remote working so as to bring about greater operational efficiencies, data centers need to adapt by including support for desktop virtualization. To learn more about desktop virtualization, and how it can help your business needs, do visit www.lifelinedatacenters.com today.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.