Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Virtual desktop strategies and architecture

• 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