Desktop virtualization is the use of virtual machines to let multiple network subscribers maintain individualized desktops on a single, centrally located computer or server. The central machine may be at a residence, business or data center. Users may be geographically scattered but are all connected to the central machine by a proprietary local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) or the Internet.
Desktop virtualization offers advantages over the traditional model, in which every computer operates as a completely self-contained unit with its own operating system, peripherals and application programs. Overall expenses are reduced because resources can be shared and allocated to users on an as-needed basis. The integrity of user information is improved because all data is maintained and backed up in the data center. Conflicts in software are minimized by reducing the total number of programs stored on any given machine.
Despite the sharing of resources, all users can customize and modify their desktops to meet their specific needs. In this way, desktop virtualization offers improved flexibility compared with the simpler client/server paradigm.
Key benefits of desktop virtualisation include:
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Reduction in carbon footprint - standard PCs use in the range of 100 watts/hour; desktop virtualisation can use less then 2 watts/hour.
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Reduction in power costs - if you reduce the power to 2% of that of a PC, you reduce the power bills by the same!
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Reduction in procurement costs - solutions such as those from NComputing cost from £70 per desktop, compared with £400+ for a PC.
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Reduction in desktop management costs - if you use a host PC running 30 virtual desktops, your management overhead has been reduced dramatically; not just in IT staff time, but also in the highly expensive infrastructure management software tools used to control a large estate of PCs.
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Reduction in Desktop estate refresh costs - using either a host PC or centralised virtual server, when you need to upgrade the estate, you simply upgrade the host - the clients all reflect the capability of the host.
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Increased security and control - the gateway is through a host, so can be controlled far more easily
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Increased security of data - data is stored centrally on the host, so can far less easily be stolen.....
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Reduction in heat and noise produced by a traditional estate of PCs - this makes for a far better working or learning environment and can also facilitate reduction in requirements for air conditioning systems.
Whilst this list is not exhaustive it highlights just a few of the benefits that virtualising the desktop can bring. The net of this is LOWER COSTS, LOWER EMISSIONS, HIGHER GREEN-COMPLIANCE. |
