Virtual Desktops vs. Remote Desktops: Which One Is Right for Your Business? The advent of cloud computing has already made massive changes to our relationship with technology, both personally and professionally. In essence, cloud technology frees computer users from their traditional dependence on physical hardware. It achieves this by pushing operating systems into an environment maintained by servers—this environment is commonly called the “cloud.” As a result, computer operators can now utilize a wide range of software programs and tools, without being dependent on a specific device or computer. Among the innovations brought by cloud computing are so-called virtual desktops and remote desktops, which have both found increasing acceptance in the business community. What they have in common is their ability to exploit cloud technology to provide workers convenient access to a variety of valuable computing tools. This capability makes virtual desktops and remote desktops highly effective assets in the business world. But there are important differences between these two types of computing tools. To judge which tool is best for any particular business, we must first explore the features of virtual desktops and remote desktops in further detail. Remote Desktops So what exactly is a remote desktop? It may help to think of it as a service, rather than an apparatus. This desktop service utilizes remote access servers, like those provided by CyberlinkASP, to enable the user to operate a device from an off-site location. As a result, an employee sitting at home can use a remote desktop service to work on their company desktop computer. In this fashion, the worker is able to perform all the computer functions that they would be able to operate if they were in the office. For instance, the employee can edit a word processing document from the comfort of their home; the material will be saved on their computer back at their company work station. The worker can access the remote desktop service from a wide range of devices—portable laptops, off-site computers, smartphones, and more—and their work computer appears exactly the way it does in the office, with all its programs available for use. All that is required is a log-in portal provided by the remote desktop service. Obviously, this can provide a significant boost to company productivity by allowing employees to perform vital duties even while traveling or when, for some other compelling reason, they can’t be in the office. Virtual Desktops Virtual desktops differ from remote varieties by essentially putting everything in the cloud. With remote laptops, the user connects to another device in a distant location; with virtual desktops, the user works directly in the cloud. All applicable software is maintained in the cloud by servers operated by the company’s IT department or, in some cases, a qualified third-party organization.
As with remote desktops, workers can use any authorized device to access the virtual environment where the relevant programs are stored. So which option is superior? There’s no simple answer, of course, as everything depends on each organization’s individual needs. Of the two options, remote desktops are less expensive and easier to manage, providing a simple way to increase productivity with relatively little hassle. Meanwhile, virtual desktops can greatly simplify the unending IT struggle to keep hardware and software up to date. Virtual solutions are also highly scalable—a definite asset for growing companies. On the other hand, a virtual desktop solution is far more complex and will require expert IT management; for this reason, many companies that choose this option elect to hire a third-party organization to take over this responsibility.