Introduction
This is a technology that allows the separation of personal computer desktop environment from the seen physical machine. The technology involved for the realization of such success is the client-server technology. In this scenario, applications are run o the server whereas the user can access the same as if available on the local desktop. The resulting virtualized desktop environment is stored on the remote central server designated for the purpose. This is in opposite to what is normally done, that is the storage of applications on remote clients. The resulting realization is that, when a user works on their local machine, all the programs and applications including data processing activities is done on the server. Te use of desktop virtualization therefore allows applications from smart phone or thin clients which exceed the users’ hardware ability to run effectively with no limitations or difficulties
Hypervisor technology can allow the simultaneous running of many virtual machines on local hardware. The same technology allows the realization of a virtual environment even in smaller machines like laptops and mobile phones. The network is used to propagate any changes made to the on the server. These changes are propagated to the virtual machines in order for the said changes to bring effect and be used as required .
Desktop virtualization technology is a technology that offers many advantages to the computing environment. With the cloud computing technology gaining effect in this computerized and automated world. Virtualization is the key to realization of the many benefits that these industry is able to provide to the stakeholders. Cloud computing allows sharing of resources and running of application in a virtual environment. Just like desk top virtualization, the same technology employed in cloud computing is implemented here. The same benefits inherent in cloud computing is inherent here. In fact cloud commuting can be seen as a superset of desk top virtualization.
The first advantage introduced by this technology of desktop virtualization is the realization of resource sharing. This is a bigger advantage over the traditional forms of technology in which every computer operates as self-contained unit with its own applications programs, processing abilities and system peripherals. The resources in question include application programs, data and even memory. The sharing of these resources amongst several users ensures that optimum utilization of the same (Russ and John 72).
As a result of resource sharing, the cost involved in system set up and maintenance is reduced considerably. Once a single application program has been acquired all the other machines can make use of it. Deployment if the same applications more over are considerably reduced. So the financial implications of a desktop virtual environment are positive .
Integrity is important when it comes to data management. Maintaining a centrally placed data store in a server, whereas all the computers can draw their data from, ensure that the integrity of the same is maintained. Changes made to the data by one application in any particular desktop machine, will be made available to all the other machines immediately. It ensures therefore that integrity of applications as well as data is maintained (Simon 118).
In conclusion desk top virtualization allows the realization of cloud computing. Employing the technology in the technology in the realization of cloud computing is paramount.
Vendors to desktop virtualization
There are many vendors which have come up with the applications that are used to attain desktop virtualization. Microsoft is one of the vendors which have been well known in the market. The product which they have is that of Desktop Virtualization and Management solutions. These services are found in the Windows Server Hyper-V. Other place where this is found is Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack and Systems Center. These services allow employees of companies to connect and work from anywhere. With this, there is also centralized control over data so that confidential data remain confidential. Other desktop virtualization providers are the Citrix with their XenDesktop and Deskstream from DeskStream.
Disadvantages of desktop virtualization
There are downsides to desktop virtualization. One of them is that of cost. It has been argued that one reason as to why many companies have not been able to take on this technology is because of cost. It is known that the ROI that is expected to reap from this technology is four years.
Another downside that comes with this technology is that of data access and storage. When many users access information stored in the storage area networks (SANs), it will render the systems slow. It will therefore require that the organization ensures that there is a wide pool of storage area networks for it.
Another problem is that of bandwidth that is available for applications. If users want to stream video from the servers, the network will not accommodate such high speeds. There will be the need to upgrade the video adapters first before implementing the VDI.
Another problem that is related to the above challenge is that of lack of multimedia support. This feature is lacking in many vendors. This can be attributed to the high costs that will be run into when the multimedia graphics is included in the servers. Most multimedia applications require a lot of computer resources to function well. Vendors like Citrix has been promising that they will develop a multimedia application for a long time but this has not been implemented (Colin 81).
It has been recorded that many desktop virtualization projects do not make it because many end users are not comfortable with the new desktop because many things have changed with the use of this technology. With desktop virtualization, the graphics are slower than the traditional desktops; multimedia are working well and bi-directional media. Users can reject desktop virtualization because of the issue of universal printing, the retention of settings that are used by end-users. Users who have interacted with the system have cited these issues which are problematic in their use. (Russ and John 81).
Works Cited:
Chou, Yung. Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Explained. 6 January 2010. 28th october 2011
Colin, J. "Client Hosting Takes Virtualization Mobile." EE Times (2011): 56-67.
Russ, F and W. John. InfoStor Storage Considerations for VDI. 12 july 2010. 28 october 2011
Simon, B. "A Smarter Approach to Desktop Virtualization." The Virtualization Practice (2011): 45-53.
