Virtual Desktop Infrastructure refers to a technology utilized to host desktop environments on a centralized server on the cloud or on-premises. These machines are then deployed to the end-user upon their request.
This kind of infrastructure gives many advantages to the organization in terms of flexibility, security, and access to enterprise applications. However, implementing the infrastructure is not easy in today’s remote work culture.
It’s best to deploy vdi with the assistance of a Managed Desktop as a Service provider who has technology partners like Microsoft and AWS Cloud. Such a provider ensures that their solutions give you the best experience and add value to your business.
Prerequisites for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Deployment
To switch from a conventional desktop to a virtual one, you must have a robust deployment framework. Otherwise, you’ll face many challenges in the implementation. Here are some essential requirements you need to consider.
Focus on engaging the end-users
You must already know that your staff is well familiar with their traditional desktops. They know how to work on it, so virtual desktop infrastructure can feel new to them. Good user experience, which means efficient performance and quick response times, is essential for deploying a virtual desktop. If you don’t focus on engaging your employees or end-users, their productivity will decrease.
Comprehend the unique needs of your employees. Only after that, optimize the release plan so that the system meets all the expectations of your employees. It will facilitate them to transition smoothly.
Pay attention to the cost of implementation.
Although the incorporation of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure reduces administrative expenses over time, initially, the cost of its implementation can seem higher. So, it’s crucial for finance, and IT teams to handle the operational expenses in the initial stages.
An area that many generally overlook is that of hidden charges. They also don’t properly estimate backend storage and WAN costs. Companies need to chalk out a strategy that prevents irrelevant expenditure.
Have a contingency plan in place
On virtual desktops, system outages make more impact. Its consequence is the disruption of entire operations which in turn negatively impacts company revenue.
Hardware issues and software glitches are two leading causes of a virtual desktop outage. So, while making a deployment plan, you must also be ready for any such situations and have a contingency plan with you.
Apart from that, performance issues, complicated environments, and security lapses are other challenges that you should be prepared to tackle. Vigorous pilot testing is crucial while you implement virtual desktops.
Know about the server requirements
Virtual desktops can operate on any virtualized server. But the number of instances deployed on a server is restricted by the computing resources of that server.
For instance, a usual ‘transparent box’ server for an enterprise-class virtual desktop deployment may have dual 8-core processors and 192 GB of DDR3 memory.
With regards to storage, it’s possible to utilize centralized SAN storage but to prevent storage and virtual desktop infrastructure traffic on a single LAN, a SAN should utilize a different network or employ local storage on every server to load.
It implies that the virtual desktop server will require physical space for 16 good performance 10-15k RPM SAS 6Gbps hard drives. You must choose the right vendor for deployment.
It’s best to select a VDI provider that has a legacy of over ten years in this domain. Such a provider has the expertise to successfully migrate remote desktop users to a Cloud environment and manage over 200,000 plus users globally.