Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the way in which businesses operate was changed drastically like never before. As opposed to workers’ sitting in an office building inside cubicles working away, hybrid and remote work options have allowed workers to complete their tasks from the comfort of their homes.
However, as a business, it’s important to figure out how to adapt to this new world if you haven’t already. Over 27% of U.S. employees continue to work remotely today, with many more estimated to be working remotely as the years continue. One of the most effective ways to allow for this, while still protecting company data, is to make use of virtual desktop interfaces which can be accessed on employees’ personal devices. Learn everything there is to know about this technology in order to determine whether it’s right for your organization.
What is a Virtual Desktop Interface?
For those unfamiliar with the term, a virtual desktop interface (VDI) refers to preconfigured operating systems and applications which are accessed via a “virtual” desktop. The virtual aspect in this sense simply means that the physical device accessing the network is separated from the physical location of the server, with the person device accessing the server remotely.
How Does a VDI Work?
The way in which a virtual desktop interface works can be confusing, but it’s easier to understand when it is broken down. Essentially, a hypervisor, which is a program used to run virtual machines, will convert virtual servers into virtual desktops. These desktops are then accessed by physical devices employees own through the use of an application, which then presents the desktop as a window on your personal device.
The Different Types of VDIs
There are two types of VDIs that a business can consider implementing depending on their needs for the technology: persistent or non-persistent. A persistent VDI allows a user to connect to the same exact desktop every time they log on virtually and allows them to personalize items on that desktop given that the changes are saved every time.
On the other hand, a non-persistent VDI is the exact opposite. A person accessing a non-persistent VDI will receive the same exact screen every time they log in. No personalized changes will have been saved should they have been made by the user, and a person cannot alter any settings or install their own applications. This is beneficial for companies that want tighter control over the applications their employees are using.
The Pros and Cons of Using a VDI
There are a number of benefits and drawbacks to using a virtual desktop interface, through platforms such as Boot Camp Assistant on Mac M1, within your organization that can make or break your decision to implement the technology. This is why breaking down the most important of those pros and cons is so important. Starting with why a business should consider implementing a VDI, the most notable reasons include:
Pros of Using a VDI
- A user can gain access to company systems regardless of where they are in the world, meaning remote or hybrid workstyles can be adopted into a business
- The infrastructure of an organization can be managed remotely and without hassle
- Virtual desktop interfaces are proven to be extremely difficult to hack and are highly secure
- There is enhanced disaster recovery with VDIs as the specific pinpoint of an issue can be identified quicker than with alternatives
- VDIs are extremely scalable which means trial runs can be conducted before rolling the system out company-wide
- Management costs can be regulated far easier if the VDI is a blanket
Cons of Using a VDI
- Managing the infrastructure of the VDI setup will require the hands of a skilled person, which means a high salary or department cost
- There is a high deployment cost for a VDI setup that may turn some smaller businesses away
- A VDI relies entirely on the Internet and the connection to the Internet that an employee has
- While a VDI is certainly secure, no technology is immune to cyberattacks
The Bottom Line
Implementing VDIs into your organizational workflow can be an excellent way to both allow for remote work while bolstering cybersecurity. All employees need to do is own a personal device that is compatible with the VDI software they plan to use, then they simply download the software and use their standard work credentials to log in. Regardless of the field your business may be in, a VDI can help any business adapt to the modern work world.