Five Popular Scenarios for Implementing Virtual Desktops

Paul Korzeniowski · Dec 3, 2023 · 4 minute read

Cloud-hosted virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can be a powerful tool for organizations to get the most out of their remote workers and optimize their IT infrastructure. By mirroring desktops and delivering them to users through a secure network, a cloud-hosted VDI enables businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve employee productivity through a centralized and scalable approach.

What are virtual desktops? 

Virtual desktops rely on servers to mirror desktop operating systems and software programs on virtual machines. Its advantages include supporting bring-your-own-devices, easily accommodating remote and branch workers, supporting processor-intensive applications, and delivering robust security. 

The need for flexible work environments and the rise of remote work is spurring growth for this technology, with a market size of $14.4 billion in 2022 that is expected to rise to $50.5 billion in 2030. Here are some of the most effective ways that cloud-hosted VDIs have been used by today’s successful companies. 

1. Computing Support for Remote Workers

The way that we work has changed dramatically during the last few years. Most employees like the flexibility that the new approach provides them. Some find working in pajamas and running errands during the day quite liberating.

Consequently, work that happens outside of traditional office headquarters has become mainstream. In our post-pandemic world, 48% of employees work remotely at least some of the time compared with 30% before, according to Gartner Inc.

However, managing these systems can present challenges. In just one example, when the company no longer controls the system configuration, troubleshooting becomes more difficult, as employees rely on a variety of different devices.

Virtual desktops enable employees to use the system of their choice while streamlining maintenance. Running from a centralized server, a virtual machine’s desktop programs can be accessed by many devices, including desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and mobile systems. But technicians can work with one central solution rather than autonomous monitoring applications.

2. Scalability for Fast-Growing Startups

Establishing a new business is challenging because it often evolves quickly. A dozen workers can easily become hundreds in the space of a few months. These high-growth companies need a technology solution that can easily expand with the workforce.

Virtual desktops generally house their processing in a central location where all updates and maintenance happens. Therefore, changes are easily propagated from the central system out to all of the end points, often automatically. With this centralized technology, all team members can stay connected and have access to company computing resources, no matter how rapidly the business expands.

3.   Powerful Features for Financial Services 

Financial services run some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated applications. The enormous processing power needed for online trading is a persistent challenge.

Cloud-hosted VDI technology enables corporations to provision new hardware resources as needed, with a few clicks. Its virtualization features allow for data sharing and consume low overhead, while still providing the high performance that this industry demands.

4. Testing and Development Environments

For software developers and IT professionals, creating and testing applications in different environments are pivotal components of their workflow. Virtual desktops offer a solution by allowing users to spin up isolated testing environments quickly. This accelerates the development cycle, promotes collaboration among teams, and minimizes potential conflicts between different software versions.

5.   Strong Security Across the Board

System security is on everyone’s mind, all the time. Cybercrime inflicted damages totaling $8 trillion globally in 2023, and the number is expected to reach $10.5 trillion in 2025. Virtual desktops can offer more robust security for organizations’ confidential materials.

When entrusting their confidential data to a private virtual cloud, companies require protection against threats with advanced cybersecurity stacks. Look for an all-in-one solution with cloud firewalls, as they are compatible with all virtual appliances to deliver comprehensive protection. They can also function as a hardware VPN server and act as a checkpoint for all network traffic.

Summing Up: The Versatility of Virtual Desktops

VDI is a transformative technology that is shaping the future of IT infrastructure. We’ve offered some instances of how VDI can offer a scalable solution for organizations of all sizes and industries. Whether you’re seeking to empower remote workforces, enhance security, streamline IT management, or support specialized applications, VDI can provide maximum flexibility and control.