Identify desktop virtualization audiences

There are several different models for virtual desktop usage, but the most popular is the centralized, volatile desktop model where desktop virtual machines (DVMs) are created on the fly as users log into the system. An endpoint device is no longer the core machine users must rely on. Rather, it's just a device with a Remote Desktop connection ability.

Because of this, you no longer need to spend an inordinate amount of resources managing the endpoint. Instead, you should focus on managing and locking down the virtual desktop image that the users actually rely on to perform their work. But, to properly manage virtual desktops and give each user the very best experience, you must be able to categorize your user bases and assign the appropriate virtualization method to each target user audience. Here are the three audience types you will need to work with:

Each user type requires a different virtualization method. However, as pointed out earlier, centralizing the desktop is not always the best solution. Table 1 describes the different models that are available for reducing the cost of distributed desktop computing through virtualization. It lists several solutions, including technologies such as Presentation Virtualization, which is really server-based computing, as well as PC Blades. This table also outlines the impact each solution has on the end user experience.

Table 1. Comparing distributed versus centralized desktop virtualization
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Rely on this table to determine which solution best fits your own users. Categorize them within the three core user types, and then identify the so

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lution you need to apply to their needs. This will help you properly understand the desktop virtualization technology you need to put in place. In the end, you may have to implement a hybrid solution combining desktop virtualization and blade PCs to best meet your users' needs.

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[IMAGE]Table of Contents
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[IMAGE] Tip 1: Verify device support in your hypervisor
[IMAGE] Tip 2: Identify desktop virtualization audiences
[IMAGE] Tip 3: Prepare and protect user profiles before virtualizing your desktop
[IMAGE] Tip 4: Use application virtualization before moving to VDI
[IMAGE] Tip 5: Lock down systems by switching to a VDI technology

About the Authors: Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest are IT futurists specializing in IT infrastructure optimizations and IT efficiency. Danielle is Microsoft MVP in Virtualization and Nelson is Microsoft MVP in Windows Server Failover Clustering. They are authors of multiple books, including the Windows Server 2008, The Complete Reference for McGraw Hill Osborne and the MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-238): Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft® Exchange Server 2007 for MS Press. Their upcoming book will be Virtualization: A Beginner's Guide from McGraw Hill Osborne. They presented on Hyper-V at the Data Center Decisions conference in Chicago in October. They are also delivering a virtual tour across the U.S. Feel free to contact them at infos@reso-net.com for any comments or suggestions.