Introduction-PC Nightmare
Why is the topic of VDI requirements so common today? In fact, why shift to this technology when your PC is working just the way you expect it to? Or maybe not.
As an IT professional, you have a pretty good idea about how your day begins. You arrive at work and are just ready to tackle your to-do list when your computer crashes. Then, you spend the next hour figuring out the problem and it turns out that your PC is the latest victim of a virus. Or, let’s say that your machine suddenly decides to automatically install an update. You end up sitting idle, watching the clock tick because the process is taking forever to complete. Next thing you know, half the day is gone and you have a deadline to meet. Surely, your fat client never took that into account, but you can always count on one to slow you down.
Your head in your hands, you think of an explanation for the boss when your manager brings Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to the table. Talk about a lifesaver.
The Power of VDI
What is VDI? It is technology that facilitates device and location independent access to virtual desktops which are hosted on virtual machines in centralized servers. Virtualization uses server hardware to run application software and desktop operating systems inside VMs. This offers two major benefits: firstly, it allows users to alternate between operating environments and secondly, you no longer require workstation hardware upgrades.
As we saw earlier, IT days can be long and frustrating if you continue to operate in a PC setting. So, what you have are slow, time-consuming and high energy consuming traditional computers that can pose a serious threat to business. By choosing to shift to VDI, you will essentially be giving a refreshing makeover to your entire IT infrastructure.
Even then, there are many endpoint options in the virtualization industry; in fact, enough to make one feel overwhelmed. To help ensure a smooth transition, we shall look at how great VDI deployments are most commonly supported by Thin Client computing. Let’s examine how this is already trending in the IT sector.
Security-Thin Leads By Example
Thin Client devices are small and stateless endpoints with limited moving parts. To start with, you have very little software running on one of these devices, which means that they are easy to manage and maintain. Generally, there is nothing that can go wrong in an environment supported by these endpoints. Even then, you can easily replace them without compromising on productivity because information is stored on the server instead of the client device itself. Also with no direct access to Thin Client operating systems, users are better protected from situations where attempts to introduce malware and viruses into systems are made.
What’s more, you can centrally manage all upgrades to operating systems and in some cases, the process only takes a few clicks to complete. This delivers near zero downtime and helps users get the job done more efficiently.
Affordability — Thin Saves Big Bucks
The purpose of adopting Thin Client virtualization is to achieve what you cannot in a standard PC environment; high performance at an overall lower total cost. Try to make sense of the bills you pay when you manage power-hungry PCs that demand end-to-end tech support and need to be replaced in the blink of an eye. With proper planning and budgeting, you can get powerful, secure and low-cost Thin Client solutions that contribute to long-term savings.
All these endpoints have something new and different to offer in each model. Two of the most well-known brands in the market are Windows Thin Clients and Linux Thin Clients. This technology offers a wide variety of options tailored to meet different use cases of task, knowledge and power users, down to the application level. These are the likes of which legacy systems can never provide, much less standard desktop computers.
Consider an example of the cost-effective C3Pi Raspberry Pi 3 solution which ClearCube offers to task workers. This comes with the efficient Linux based OS and support for VMware Horizon, Microsoft RDP, CITRIX HDX and an extensive range of virtual desktops and terminal services.
Moving on, you can drastically reduce your energy bill with this environmentally friendly platform. These clients allow you to save up to 80-90% in power consumption as they draw an average of 8-20 watts compared to the 60-150 watts of a typical PC. So, you not only have an IT strategy worth investing in. Think of the green computing practices it will enable you to implement and this is something being increasingly encouraged in today’s world.
Productivity — Get More Done In Less Time
This is another common question in Thin Client howto. Let’s assume that you have less IT pain points to deal with because you now have secure, locked-down devices that come with centralized management for quick and easy deployment. Generally, businesses are moving to Thin Client technology because it facilitates user access to specific functions and applications through remote desktop software. These endpoints also work well in remote offices where managing and maintaining individual PCs can be challenging and time-consuming, leading to the possibility of downtime.
What’s more, Thin Client usage is expected to further rise, now that cloud computing is becoming popular by the day. This paves the way to an almost unlimited number of Web-based applications which users can then access.
Flexibility — PC Re-purposing
Everyone has different VDI requirements and there may be companies that are not yet ready for a complete setup. Some possible reasons include having to stay on budget or running a SMB that still needs time to prepare for Thin Client Technology.
Luckily, ClearCube offers the PC Re-purposing program where you can use Cloud Desktop OS to extend the life of aging tech into a Thin Client terminal which can then connect to any back end system or remote PC. This will still deliver the software and easy manageability benefits which you would otherwise receive in a full-fledged Thin or Zero Client setup.
Conclusions and Recommendations
VDI endpoints are known for their streamlined management and these devices justify their share in your overall IT budget because they yield high ROI. You can even avail a Free Demo Unit on them for a more detailed understanding of how they support an effective VDI environment.
