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Guide to low-cost desktop virtualization
Editor's note
One reason virtual desktop infrastructure hasn't taken the desktop world by storm is that the infrastructure requirements make large-scale VDI projects more expensive to deploy than traditional PCs.
Desktop virtualization vendors are working to lower the cost of server-hosted virtual desktops, but there are ways to virtualize desktops today without incurring astronomical infrastructure and licensing costs.
This guide covers desktop virtualization technologies that provide flexibility and security at a much lower price tag. Learn about ways to cut costs when using server-hosted VDI products such as Citrix XenDesktop and VMware View.
1Find hidden VDI money
VDI has a reputation for being expensive -- and it is -- but understanding what you get for the money and why it's so pricey can help you find cost saving strategies and increase your return on investment (ROI).
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With VDI, you get what you pay for
In the vast majority of cases, VDI is more expensive to buy and to operate than traditional PCs, but the benefits may be well worth the price. Read Now
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How to boost VDI ROI
Getting solid VDI ROI can be tough unless you're aware of the hidden VDI cost savings you can get from remote access, server discounts and storage consolidation. Read Now
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Why is VDI expensive?
Servers, storage and licensing costs can make a VDI implementation pricey, but only in terms of capital expenditure. Over the long haul, VDI usually costs significantly less than traditional PCs. Read Now
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Low-cost alternatives to Citrix and VMware
Big-name VDI vendors certainly have their place in the desktop virtualization market, but don't forget about the smaller guys. They can often offer just what you need for less money. Small virtual desktop vendors tend to offer products that focus on more specific needs. Read Now
2Cost-saving tips and tools
Check out these tips to save (at least) a little bit of money on delivering virtual desktops and applications.
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Mastering the dark art of Windows virtual desktop licensing
Companies of all sizes can virtualize Windows desktops without breaking the bank by using products with low infrastructure requirements. But how do you lower Windows virtual desktops licensing costs? These strategies help keep licensing costs down. Read Now
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Solving the VDI storage problem
Storage hungry virtual desktops drive up infrastructure costs, so a number of vendors have come up with money-saving ways to satiate the demand. The fact is there is more than one way to attack the storage problem. Read Now
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How to analyze the cost of a virtual desktop deployment
The initial cost of implementing virtual desktops is about equal to implementing physical desktops (assuming you reuse existing hardware). But analyzing VDI costs for the long term is much more difficult. Ongoing costs include power usage, results of employee productivity, support and maintenance expenses. To calculate VDI ROI, it's sometimes better to use a simple, flexible model rather than a complex budgeting plan. Read Now
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Making VDI cost-effective for SMBs
Smaller organizations can ease the financial burden of deploying VDI by using VDI optimization software to reduce IOPS requirements, virtualizing applications as well as desktops and using a shared or clustered file system. Increasing ROI from VDI and reducing VDI costs for SMBs just requires a little creativity. Read Now