Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What are the benefits of on-premises hosting for virtual desktops?

  IT shouldn't overlook the benefits of on-premises desktop hosting, such as more choices for virtualization software. Cloud-hosted desktops also fall short in areas such as infrastructure control.  Continue Reading

• How do DaaS providers deliver cloud desktops?

  Most DaaS providers offer either session- or client-based desktops. Services differ in the OSes that providers support and the configuration options at IT administrators' disposal.  Continue Reading

• Can hyper-converged infrastructure cut VDI costs?

  Hyper-converged systems may cost more upfront, but organizations must also calculate long-term costs to determine if HCI is a fit for their virtual desktop infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• GPU use gains traction in VDI deployments

  The ability to share GPUs among multiple virtual desktop instances has contributed to a rise in GPU use in many VDI deployments.  Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft RemoteApp server-based virtualization work?

  With RemoteApp, users can access virtual apps that reside in a data center or in a cloud-based VM rather than locally on their devices. The app still behaves as though it's local.  Continue Reading

• How should IT assess zero client vs. thin client devices?

  Zero clients and thin clients can simplify the endpoints users work with in VDI deployments. The makeup of each option affects the benefits it delivers.  Continue Reading

• Are application layers always a good idea?

  App layering, which separates apps from the underlying OS, helps IT in several ways, including allowing it to deliver apps to specific groups, but it's not always a great fit.  Continue Reading

• How are application layering and app virtualization different?

  If IT pros effectively use either app layering or app virtualization, they can simplify management while improving the end-user experience.  Continue Reading

• How can IT improve its virtual application capacity plan?

  When IT deploys virtual apps, it must plan for the applications' capacity needs. Two common planning methods are monitoring app performance and load simulation.  Continue Reading

• Does application container technology differ from virtualization?

  When delivering virtual apps to users, IT has a few options up its sleeve, including containers, which isolate the app from the OS and other applications.  Continue Reading

• How can IT identify and manage VDI usage fluctuations?

  Unpredictable user behavior and boot storms can cause VDI resource usage fluctuations throughout the day. IT can take steps to identify and curtail the effects of these changes.  Continue Reading

• How does a client-based application with Microsoft App-V work?

  The app virtualization world is confusing. Get some clarity on how client-based app deployment works by taking a closer look at Microsoft App-V.  Continue Reading

• How should IT approach VDI provisioning?

  Over or underprovisioning resources for virtual desktops can leave a VDI deployment in rough shape. With a few tips, IT pros can make sure they make the correct calculations.  Continue Reading

• Can IT add digital watermarks to its virtual desktops?

  As part of a larger security strategy, watermarking virtual desktops can help IT discourage data leakage by adding user-specific text to each desktop.  Continue Reading

• How can IT retrieve VDI server configuration information?

  IT pros may need to retrieve server configuration information to diagnose problems with their VDI. They can do so in Windows-based deployments with the right PowerShell cmdlets.  Continue Reading