Desktop virtualization remains a huge topic in the IT world. And for many good reasons. Because cloud technology is growing exponentially with each year, the businesses that don’t capitalize on the wave of improvements seems to stand still. Consider this: Gartner predicts that by 2020 cloud deployment of software solutions will be the default option. This is an incredible leap in just a few short years. How that changes businesses can already be felt day to day.
But you know all this. Now the question is, how do you benefit? How can you build a solid cloud strategy that allows you to see real results for your team and for your business?
For many, the modern desktop is the answer. Moving your workspace into the cloud is the essence of virtualization, and is one of the keys to a more efficient future.
The Benefits of Desktop Virtualization
What you’re doing, effectively, when you virtualize your desktop is you create an environment that appears to be a standard computer setup. However, the software with which you work is independent of the hardware on which the device runs. So, a laptop has the components to get you to a browser, but everything you do on it, it’s a virtual copy of an OS, applications and storage. Your actions actually exist in a data center. All your work – and the work of each employee – is in the cloud.
The long-term benefits of desktop virtualization are virtually unlimited. But the immediate benefits can be narrowed into these five top-tier advantages.
Better Security
Here’s an alarming statistic: “70% of millennials admitted to bringing outside applications into work in violation of IT policies.” This should tell you that declaring something (in this case, IT policies) doesn’t necessarily make it happen. When you’re facing down a workforce that wants mobility and Bring-Your-Own-Device programs, you have to think about cybersecurity.
Desktop virtualization helps you lock down unauthorized software while combating viruses. Likewise, the centralized processing you get with cloud computing helps you simplify your security procedures and ensure your data privacy.
More Reliable Backup and Recovery
They always say that your backups are only as good as the last time you tested them. The reality is that backups are easy to push to the backburner. Most people don’t know they need to update their backup plan until it’s too late.
With a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), you enjoy the benefit of enterprise-level backups regardless of your business size. If you engage VDI with Amazon WorkSpaces, for example, you are backed up through Amazon’s data center, giving you quick access to your hard-earned data when you need it.
Simpler Management
Management of upgrades and policies can be extremely difficult as you scale. Particularly when it comes to patches and application updates or upgrades. Remember the Wannacry ransomware event last year? That malware exploited a weakness in Microsoft software that was quickly addressed. But the virus spread because nearly all the 400,000 infected machines hadn’t been patched.
AWS takes care of all the patching and updating behind the scenes. This frees up any IT personnel you may have to work on more important initiatives.
Improved Productivity
Virtualization is the backbone of mobility and BYOD. To speak to the new mobile workforce, you need to ensure that you can offer the benefits to work anywhere while maintaining productivity and collaboration. Likewise, you save time in upkeep and repairs by allowing access to desktop functionality on any device with a simple login.
Streamlined Costs
Because VDI is a month-to-month expense, you drop precious capital expenses and replace them with operational expenses. There are no upfront purchasing costs, you simply sign up for what you need and increase as you grow. Eliminate huge hardware expenses and licensing costs keeps your budget streamlined and focused on more strategic long-term investments.
Desktop-as-a-Service
The migration isn’t simple. But the benefits pay off huge dividends. That’s why many businesses have stopped buying, owning and running their own IT initiatives, choosing instead to virtualize their desktops and migrate to the cloud. When you’re ready for desktop-as-a-service (DaaS), give RedNight a call.
