How to Choose a Virtual Desktop Provider Cloud technology continues to make huge strides in the business world. Until recently, companies had to make do with suites of bulky desktop computers that tended to take up a substantial amount of floor space. Even worse, IT departments responsible for managing this hardware generally kept themselves more than busy with the various maintenance demands that unavoidably come with desktops and laptops. At any organization outfitted with standard tech equipment, it’s practically inevitable that at any given time someone’s computer is malfunctioning in some way. All of these problems have traditionally posed a large burden for businesses of all sizes, but the development of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) changed the traditional landscape. This is an aspect of cloud technology that has gained increasing acceptance in the corporate sector as business leaders look for ways to cut expenses. Selecting the right virtual desktop provider may be one of the most important decisions that a business can make. So how does one go about finding the perfect provider? To answer that, it’s important to have a sound grasp of the various features and benefits of VDI, which we’ll explore below. What Is VDI? Traditionally, computer software was necessarily tied to a particular device, such as a desktop or laptop computer. A Microsoft Word program, for example, could be accessed only on the device on which it was installed. With VDI, these programs are maintained in a virtual cloud environment, which is not dependent on a specific computer. This means that a particular program or document is accessible from any virtually any device whose user can supply the appropriate log-in information. It’s a setup that comes with some obvious benefits, not the least of which is its potential to save companies an enormous amount of money that would otherwise be dedicated to purchasing expensive hardware and software. To exploit this new trend, a number of companies have begun offering virtual desktop services. These virtual desktop providers can supply a number of important benefits for businesses large and small. Benefits of Using a Virtual Desktop Provider With a virtual desktop service, data is stored in the cloud, not on a physical device. This means that clients need not worry about data loss due to malfunctioning or stolen hardware. Clients also benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, as a dedicated virtual desktop provider is focused solely on these matters. By contrast, many businesses skimp on IT upgrades because other departments require funding, and as a result the company often finds itself lagging behind and saddled with out-of-date software. A good virtual desktop provider will upgrade its software at the earliest opportunity; a conventional IT department often will not. These instant upgrades eliminate the headaches and expenses that go along with maintaining software licenses. Also, economy of scale means that a virtual desktop provider with a number of clients is capable of supplying services at substantially less expense than a typical single-company IT department could. These savings can then be passed on to the client.
What Features Your Provider Should Offer What separates a first-rate virtual desktop provider from a substandard one? What kinds of functions should it provide its clients? For one thing, you need a provider that can supply all the bandwidth your company requires. It’s worth pointing out that a switch to VDI technology often results in a significant jump in employee usage of programs, as workers take advantage of the option to log in from any location at any time. You need to account for this when calculating your bandwidth demands. It’s also best to go with a provider that can maintain an access management system; this will allow your company to restrict access permissions of individual employees so they’ll be able to use only the apps and programs that they need. In addition, you should ask the provider whether they can provide a dedicated support team, or at least one responsible for a reasonably small number of clients. An overburdened support crew may not be able to respond to problems in a reasonable timespan.