Glossary of terms

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a virtualization technology that allows desktops to run on centralized servers rather than on users’ local computers. Users access their virtual desktops over the network using a thin client or any device with Internet access.

The primary function of VDI is to consolidate desktops on centralized servers, which provides a number of benefits such as:

  • Cost reduction: VDI can help organizations reduce IT costs because they do not need to purchase and maintain local computers for each user.
  • Increased security: VDI can help improve data security because all data is stored on centralized servers where it can be better protected.
  • Improved control: VDI can help improve control over the IT environment as administrators can easily manage all desktops from a central console.
  • Increased mobility: VDI can help increase user mobility as they can access their desktops from any location with an internet connection.
  • Simplified maintenance: VDI can help simplify IT maintenance because administrators don’t have to maintain on-premises computers.


Overall, VDI offers organizations a number of benefits that can help them improve the efficiency, security, and control of their IT environments.

Application in various industries:

Business:

Businesses of all sizes use VDI to improve IT efficiency, reduce costs, and increase security.

Public sector:

Government agencies use VDI to provide secure and reliable access to data and applications for their employees.

Education:

Educational institutions use VDI to provide students with access to computer labs and other resources from anywhere.

Healthcare:

Healthcare organizations use VDI to provide healthcare professionals with access to patient data and electronic medical records from anywhere.

Retail:

Retailers use VDI to give cashiers and other employees access to the applications and data they need to do their jobs.

While there are many benefits, VDI also has some risks that you should be aware of:

  • Network dependency: VDI depends on a reliable network connection, which can lead to problems if the network becomes unavailable.
  • Hardware costs: VDI can require a significant investment in hardware such as servers and networking equipment.
  • Complexity: VDI can be complex to implement and maintain, which may require additional costs for staff or third-party services.

Overall, VDI offers organizations a number of benefits that can help them improve the efficiency, security, and control of their IT environments. However, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before implementing VDI.

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