Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Virtual desktop strategies and architecture

• What does IT need to know about VDI web browsers?

  End users can easily access their virtual desktops and applications through any supported HTML5 web browser. Learn about the pros and cons of using VDI and web browsers together.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• How should IT evaluate application virtualization products?

  When picking an application virtualization tool, IT pros must understand the app types they are dealing with, determine their security needs and more.  Continue Reading

• Does deploying VDI affect other systems?

  VDI can affect areas of a company network, such as internet bandwidth. IT can mitigate the effects of VDI users by allocating resources and monitoring system performance.  Continue Reading

• How does user location affect VDI capacity planning?

  When coming up with a VDI capacity plan, IT must account for exactly where users are located and possibly consider an SD-WAN or edge computing.  Continue Reading

• What are the open source remote display protocol options?

  Fluctuating VDI costs can catch any organization by surprise. Consider open source remote display protocols to keep the price tag low and user experience high.  Continue Reading

• When to use published apps vs. streaming apps

  Don't get lost in application delivery. Compare application publishing and streaming to find the best option for an organization's unique setup and needs.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing technology holds VDI potential

  Edge computing is finding its place in the enterprise to handle data growth. IT may use that same advantage to help address problems in a VDI deployment.  Continue Reading

• How does app layering work with nonpersistent desktops?

  One of the big drawbacks of nonpersistent VDI is that users get no personalization. App layering can change that by keeping the apps separate from the OS itself.  Continue Reading

• How will cloud computing and analytics affect Citrix shops?

  Citrix's focus on monitoring, cloud computing and analytics will let IT do its job in new ways. Admins should embrace the change, consultant Theresa Miller says.  Continue Reading

• How does Office 365 VDI licensing work in nonpersistent deployments?

  Setting up Office 365 generally involves multiple devices. With nonpersistent VDI, the rules of the game change for IT admins.  Continue Reading

• Which organizations don't need to deliver virtual workspaces?

  Virtual workspace products make employees' desktops, applications and data available to them in the office or remotely. But not every company is well-suited to reap benefits from workspace products.  Continue Reading

• What custom services do DaaS vendors offer?

  It takes a lot of work to learn how to secure and manage cloud-hosted desktops. But, if it's an option financially, organizations could consider some of the upgraded services DaaS vendors offer to make IT's job easier.  Continue Reading

• How does Citrix HDX 3D Pro support GPU virtualization?

  IT administrators can use Citrix HDX to deliver graphics-intensive applications in XenDesktop and XenApp, but they'll need HDX 3D Pro to optimize the application performance even more and limit bandwidth consumption.  Continue Reading

• Do you need malware protection on a VDI thin client?

  There are plenty of options for VDI thin client devices out there, and most are safe to use without antimalware software. Learn which thin client needs extra protection and why.  Continue Reading

• Does hyper-converged infrastructure improve VDI scalability?

  Hyper-converged systems are a big investment, but they also provide the flexibility to add or subtract resources to fit the demands of a VDI project -- from beginning to full implementation.  Continue Reading

• What are the security benefits of using thin client devices?

  Thin clients are useful endpoints for organizations that support VDI, because they provide an extra layer of protection from user-initiated security risks.  Continue Reading

• Which VDI client has the best long-term viability?

  Using physical desktops, thin clients and HTML5 browsers are all good options for delivering VDI. Organizations are best off choosing the most cost-effective approach.  Continue Reading

• Should businesses use HTML5 remote desktop clients?

  HTML5 clients can serve as a widely accessible, mobile friendly way for users to access virtual desktops, but there are still a few security kinks to work out.  Continue Reading

• How does virtual desktop performance compare to PCs?

  Virtual desktops need to perform similar to physical desktops, or else users become frustrated. Most companies now have enough back-end resources to support speedy VDI connections.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of deploying Linux virtual desktops?

  Not everyone will need Linux virtual desktops, but one bonus that could sway organizations is not dealing with Windows VDI licensing costs.  Continue Reading

• Differences between EVO:RAIL, Virtual SAN Ready Nodes and Rapid Desktop Appliance

  VMware offers three converged and hyper-converged products that may appeal to VDI shops, but each one works a little bit differently.  Continue Reading

• Which hyper-converged systems are best for VDI?

  Hyper-converged systems provide an opportunity for IT departments to streamline the data center, but VDI shops need to make sure their system meets virtualization-specific parameters.  Continue Reading

• How does hyper-converged infrastructure help VDI shops?

  Some hyper-converged infrastructure vendors developed their products with VDI shops in mind. IT can reduce VDI-related headaches with the right HCI platform.  Continue Reading

• Should VDI shops use hyper-converged infrastructure?

  The tighter integration in hyper-converged infrastructure gives VDI shops the performance and management they're looking for, but some companies might deem it too big of an adjustment.  Continue Reading

• How will hyper-converged systems affect VDI admin jobs?

  HCI comes packaged together so IT shops can manage the entire system at once. That sounds convenient, but it can also create department organization issues.  Continue Reading

• Do I really need Citrix NetScaler?

  NetScaler or not, you need an application delivery controller. But XenApp and XenDesktop shops that use a non-Citrix gateway run the risk of losing Citrix's support.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between VDI vs. Terminal Services?

  The VDI vs. Terminal Services (or RDS) debate is based on the differences between the two methods for delivering remote desktops. One uses sessions and the other connects users to full client OS desktops.  Continue Reading

• How do I write an effective DaaS SLA?

  Consider what you and your chosen DaaS provider need when you're negotiating an SLA. You'll ensure uptime for users' desktops and keep the vendor accountable.  Continue Reading

• Why should I consider adopting VDI?

  The ever-changing IT landscape is a reason some shops don't want to get locked into a big virtualization investment, but adopting VDI can actually help companies meet users' needs and adapt to new trends and technology.  Continue Reading

• Unveiling the mystery behind VDI implementation costs

  Your VDI implementation can get costly -- fast. With servers, licenses, storage and tools to buy, the Capex for VDI can skyrocket, but remember that over the long term, Opex is less with VDI than with traditional PCs.  Continue Reading

• VMware's Project Fargo gives users desktops on the fly

  VMware's Project Fargo lets you copy an already-running virtual machine and deliver it to users, giving them fast access to nonpersistent desktops without taking up much disk space.  Continue Reading

• How can I implement cloud desktops?

  There are four different ways to do desktop as a service in your organization. Each option, however, has its pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• How does hot desking work?

  Hot desking is the practice of maintaining fewer desks or PCs than there are employees who need them. The model helps cut overhead costs, but it can cause productivity issues if there aren't enough workstations.  Continue Reading

• How do I calculate VDI ROI?

  There's no magic formula or one-size-fits-all approach to figuring VDI ROI. Look at vendor calculators to see which costs they factor in, but do the calculations on your own.  Continue Reading

• How do I calculate VDI storage needs?

  Your VDI storage needs will vary depending on the kinds of desktops and images you're planning to deploy, but calculating how much storage you need is easy.  Continue Reading

• RDSH vs. VDI comparison proves use case is everything

  In a RDSH vs. VDI comparison, it's not a matter of which is better. The most important thing is which one best fits your use case. VDI is good if users need multiple applications, but RDSH is a more lightweight model.  Continue Reading

• Why should you deploy thin client devices?

  Thin client devices can provide a lot of benefits in virtualization environments, but make sure you have the staff to support them.  Continue Reading

• Five considerations for hosted virtual desktops

  Before you dive into the cloud, make sure you consider the cost and performance of hosted virtual desktops.  Continue Reading

• Should you deploy disconnected VDI?

  Disconnected VDI means remote users can access their desktops from anywhere, but there are some downsides.  Continue Reading

• Why you need VDI training and how to go about it

  VDI requires new hardware and software, so make sure you get some VDI training and certifications under your belt before you deploy virtual desktops.  Continue Reading

• What are IOPS, and how do they affect virtual desktop performance?

  This week, our experts explain why input/output operations per second, or IOPS, matter when measuring virtual desktop performance.  Continue Reading

• VMware and Citrix extend virtualization to cloud apps

  Web-based and Software as a Service applications are gaining traction in the enterprise. See how VMware and Citrix are moving in that direction.  Continue Reading