Planning Desktop Virtualization
Desktop virtualization is a gre
at technology solution that can save your business time and money. Chances are that you’ve already spent time creating a server virtualization plan, or have already started the conversion process; now is the time to get your workstation virtualization plan drafted. This article focuses on desktop virtualization architecture, which will help you define your businesses desktop virtualization needs.
Desktop Virtualization Architecture
As part of your desktop virtualization plan, you need to decide which type of end-user platform will best suit your business needs. Each platform has distinct advantages that should be considered. Key points to consider are as follows:
- Standard Workstation- Using workstations that you already own is an affordable desktop virtualization solution that allows multiple operating systems to run on one machine without requiring the upfront investment cost associated with purchasing a host server. Running virtualized desktops locally, is the quickest and most affordable way to take quickly take advantage of virtualization. VM Player and Microsoft Virtual PC are the great options for running virtual desktops on desktop computers
- Thin Client Application- Using a thin client application allows you to access a virtually administered desktop on existing hardware. This means that you don’t have to spend money to replace current desktop computers with other hardware. It also means that you can access a virtualized desktop from a smart phone. Keep in mind that the only virtualization solution that currently supports multimedia applications is XenDesktop.
- Thin Client- The thin client is an affordable hardware device designed to replace the desktop. This streamlined desktop unit has a monitor, processor, RAM and a network card that enable it to run a virtual desktop from a host server. Many thin clients can support local printers and USB devices. Consider this virtualization solution when your desktop computers have exceeded their life expectancies.
Possible limitations
As you draft your desktop virtualization plan, consider the possible limitations that may or may not impact your specific technology needs. Potential limitations include the following:
Poorly supported multimedia applications- Most virtualized workstations do not successfully support multimedia applications—especially applications with high-quality graphics.
- Flash animation found in many web sites will be degraded.
- Web-based training may not be as effective since audio and video features are not well supported.
- AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop may not work properly.
Poorly supported peripherals- Peripheral devices such as USB drives may not work well with virtual workstations.
- Microsoft and VMware solutions cannot take advantage of high-quality monitors
- Many local printers will not work with virtualized workstations—research your solutions and ensure compatibility with currently owned hardware.
- USB storage devices are not compatible with all types of virtualized workstations. While thin clients and workstations work well, thin client applications do not.
- Smart phones, blackberries, iPhones and Palm handheld devices may not work with all virtualized workstations.
Talk to the experts
When you draft your desktop virtualization plan, consider business needs, your current hardware investments and choose the solution that will best meet those needs. Please contact All Covered at 866-446-1133 to learn more about the best virtualization solutions for your business.
Andreas KrebsMarketing Manager, All Covered, Inc.
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