Almost all companies expect their employees to conduct work online while keeping sensitive data safe. But how can they uphold these expectations when faced with scenarios like remote work, bring-your-own-device policies, or the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats?
To address these challenges, many enterprises choose to invest in a hosted virtual desktop setup. This approach allows employees to access their workplace desktops from any device or location while offering a seamless user experience and heightened security stance.
In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of desktop virtualisation, and why it’s quickly cemented itself as a cornerstone of many organisation’s cybersecurity and workstation strategies.
What is desktop virtualisation?
Desktop virtualisation is essentially a virtual copy of a workstation desktop that allows the end user to access their applications and software from anywhere in the world (and at any time). Rather than depending on the static location of their work desktop, they can log in from a connected device and benefit from a digital workspace.
What is a hosted desktop?
Hosted Virtual Desktops, or HVDs for short, are a type of cloud-computing model that allows users to outsource desktop virtualisation to a third party. Hosted virtual desktop providers offer DaaS solutions that facilitate an organisation’s access to workplace data, software, and applications from a remote device.
All that is needed to access a hosted desktop is a high-speed internet connection and reliable hosting provider. Since no confidential data is stored on the hardware itself but rather a protected HVD network, businesses can rely on an added layer of security while cutting down on hardware costs.
How can businesses use hosted desktop services?
Desktop virtualisation helps organisations increase flexibility, reduce expenses, streamline productivity, and bolster their security stance. From a centralised hosted virtual desktop provider, businesses can offer hundreds and thousands of employees a uniform application hosting experience. Here are a few notable benefits:
Remote work and flexibility
Remote desktop solutions are particularly useful for companies that embrace remote working, opt for a hybrid work model, or operate various branches across the globe. It offers flexibility for organisations with a distributed workforce as employees can collaborate regardless of their geographical location.
Cut down on costs
Products like a citrix hosted desktop can be very cost-effective when implemented correctly. Rather than investing in unnecessary hardware and software subscriptions, organisations can manage everything from a single server.
Streamline productivity
Hosted desktops encourage productivity and streamline procedures by providing quick solutions to a vast number of user experience problems. There’s no need to spend time or money fixing individual server issues, as IT departments can use desktop virtualisation to update security patches and deploy tasks simultaneously.
Improve security measures
Implementing individual security measures for thousands of users is not only tedious but potentially risky. Imagine your employee loses their laptop, and with it, the company’s confidential data. Rather than suffering a security breach and implementing a risk mitigation plan, a hosted desktop reduces the overall level of risk.
What other desktop virtualisations are available?
Within the realm of desktop virtualisation, there are various models to choose from. The type of desktop services an organisation needs will vary in accordance with their bespoke requirements. Here are some of the most common types:
Hosted virtual desktops
As mentioned above, hosted virtual desktops offer the convenience of outsourcing desktop virtualisation services to a cloud computing provider. These specialised companies take over daily maintenance tasks and ensure servers are running without fault. This option is suitable for SMEs that don’t want to invest in in-house remote desktop solutions yet need scalable and cost-effective solutions.
Virtual desktop infrastructure
Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI for short, offers a similar service as HVD while providing organisations greater control over their virtualisation stack and infrastructure. This option is ideal for larger enterprises that need more customisation to meet their organisational requirements.
Remote desktop services
Remote desktop services are a type of Microsoft infrastructure model that enables Windows software to run securely on a centralised server while allowing employees to access applications from various devices. This type of desktop virtualisation is beneficial for businesses that prioritise centralised application delivery.
Local desktop virtualisation
Local desktop virtualisation involves running virtualised desktop environments on individual and local servers. This way, users can access multiple operating applications or systems from a single physical device. This option is viable for organisations that can handle resource-intensive tasks on isolated workspaces and don’t need a continuous network connection.
