Desktop Virtualization is the concept of isolating an operating system (OS) from the client that is used to access it. It is also known as client virtualization which separates a computer desktop environment from the physical computer. It is used as a new approach to the provisioning, delivery, and management of user desktops in the enterprise. The main principle behind this new approach is leveraging existing and well-proven virtualization technologies to virtualize not only servers but also user desktops (the workstations). The resulting “virtualized” desktop is stored on a remote central server, instead of on the local storage of remote client; thus, when users work from their remote desktop client, all of the programs, applications, processes and data used are kept and run centrally, allowing users to access their desktops on any capable device, such as a traditional personal computer, notebook computer, smart phone, or thin client. Users may be geographically scattered, but all must be connected to the central machine by a local area network, a wide area network, or the public Internet.
Desktop Virtualization replaces the traditional model where users run all the applications and store data on their desktop services. Instead the whole environment of the desktop experience would be executed in the data center servers.
The hosted virtual desktop is a virtualization technology that connects the user to application and data that is stored in the cloud provider's server rather than the user's computer or corporate network.
For the user, the experience is indistinguishable from one in which application and data is stored on local systems. Each desktop acts as a virtual machine on the server of the cloud service provider.
Often people get confused between a hosted virtual desktop orHosted Windows Virtual Desktopand DaaS i.eDesktop as a Service. In simple English, when organizations host virtual desktop in-house, then it is hosted virtual desktop. When organizations host desktop on the with the help of other cloud service provider then its DaaS.
Reasons why a hosted virtual desktop is getting popular:
1) Accessible from any smartphone, computer, tablet anywhere in the world 2) Cheaper compared to a traditional desktop setup 3) Easy to maintain and install 4) Upgraded in few minutes with just one click 5) Hosting provider responsible for data storage, security, and backup 6) More flexible and agile for the business environment 7 ) Ease of focusing on core business.
Desktop virtualization is technology that lets users simulate a workstation load to access a desktop from a connected device remotely or locally. This separates the desktop environment and its applications from the physical client device used to access it. Desktop virtualization is a key element of digital workspace and depends on application virtualization.
How does desktop virtualization work?
Desktop virtualization can be achieved in a variety of ways, but the most important two types of desktop virtualization are based on whether the operating system instance is local or remote.
Local Desktop Virtualization- Local desktop virtualization means the operating system runs on a client device using hardware virtualization, and all processing and workloads occur on local hardware. This type of desktop virtualization works well when users do not need a continuous network connection and can meet application computing requirements with local system resources. However, because this requires processing to be done locally you cannot use local desktop virtualization to share VMs or resources across a network to thin clients or mobile devices.
Remote Desktop Virtualization- Remote desktop virtualization is a common use of virtualization that operates in a client/server computing environment. This allows users to run operating systems and applications from a server inside a data center while all user interactions take place on a client device. This client device could be a laptop, thin client device, or a smartphone. The result is IT departments have more centralized control over applications and desktops, and can maximize the organization’s investment in IT hardware through remote access to shared computing resources.
