VMware Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

You can tackle that last disadvantage with by a solution like VMware's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Instead of multiple application instances running under one operating system (like Citrix on Windows Server 2003), multiple operating systems (mainly Windows XP) run as virtual machines on the same server hardware. Thin clients can connect to these virtual machines through a protocol like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). At that point, there is very little difference between connecting to a virtual machine and running the operating system on a traditional desktop.

More on server virtualization Virtualization opportunities for Citrix resellers Clustering vs. virtualization for server consolidation Ask Harley Stagner your virtualization questions

This type of server-centric architecture is a many-operating-systems-to-many-devices relationship, instead of a one-operating-system-to-many-devices relationship. I see this as the natural evolution of the traditional server-centric terminal environment. However, even with the ability to run any application, VMWare's VDI still suffers from several server-centric disadvantages -- mainly the high upfront infrastructure costs thanks to its ultra reliance on backend servers for applications and data.

For large businesses that can deal with the high infrastructure costs, a VDI package might make sense. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), however, may not have the budget to invest in a VDI package or they may not have IT staff with the skill set to support a server-centric architecture. For them a distributed desktop solution makes sense because they can easily handle one desktop application being unavailable, as opposed to that same application being unavailable to all of their users. New technology advancements from companies like Moka5 offer a compelling solution that combines the best aspects of a distributed desktop and a server-centric environment.

Virtualize your cake and eat it too

 Part 1: An alternative ASP model
 Part 2: VMware's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
 Part 3: Moka5's LivePC
 Part 4: Helping SMBs benefit from virtualization

About the author: Harley Stagner has been an IT professional for almost eight years. He has a wide range of knowledge in many areas of the IT field, including network design and administration, scripting and troubleshooting. Of particular interest to Harley is virtualization technology. He was the technical editor for Chris Wolf and Erick M. Halter's book Virtualization: From Desktop to the Enterprise and currently writes his own blog at www.harleystagner.com. Ask Harley your server virtualization questions today.

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchSystemsChannel.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us    RELATED CONTENT Server Virtualization Server virtualization health check services: Data protection, networking Factors to consider when using blade servers for virtualization Using virtualization to achieve green data centers Using VMware NetQueue to virtualize high-bandwidth servers Host server processor and memory performance Host server storage and network performance Configuration of the guest operating system Configuration of the virtual machine VMware ESX Server: Performance optimization Configuration of the host server Virtualization Server virtualization health check services: Data protection, networking Factors to consider when using blade servers for virtualization Using VMware NetQueue to virtualize high-bandwidth servers Host server processor and memory performance Host server storage and network performance Configuration of the guest operating system Configuration of the virtual machine VMware ESX Server: Performance optimization Configuration of the host server Beware of hidden costs in server consolidation or virtualization Desktops and Workstations Power management strategies Green desktop strategies Cost comparison: Virtual vs. Vista desktop management Virtual vs. Vista desktop management: Calculating virtual costs, pg. 2 Virtual vs. Vista desktop management costs: Intangibles, pg. 3 Desktop interoperability in a mixed-platform environment Should I recommend desktop virtualization to my SMB clients? Desktop virtualization options Novell signs major open source systems integrator Microsoft WIndows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop provides security RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.