Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is certainly a good fit for large enterprises with hundreds or thousands of physical computers. However, how practical is this solution for small and medium enterprises?
Will an enterprise with 100, 50, or 15 computers gain significant benefits by adopting virtualization technology?
Pros and Cons of VDI for SMBs
When it comes to implementing VDI in small and medium enterprises, there are a number of pros and cons to consider.
Advantages:
β Reducing administrative costs.
While most SMBs have IT departments, they tend to be quite small and overwhelmed with mundane tasks such as troubleshooting network and server crashes, fighting malware, and even handling password change requests. The centralized nature of VDI helps reduce the burden on IT professionals by removing a number of administrative and endpoint maintenance tasks.
β Extending the lifespan of legacy client devices.
Due to budget constraints, SMBs are looking to maximize the lifespan of each device. Because most application data is processed on a central server, VDI allows enterprises to repurpose aging devices, delaying replacement time.
Disadvantages:
β Absolute dependence on the Internet connection.
VDI desktops are delivered over the network, so they are ineffective in environments where the Internet connection is unreliable or completely absent. For this reason, most VDI solutions include WAN optimizers to compensate for network connectivity issues to some extent.
β Difficulty of deployment.
Most VDI solutions, such as Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly known as XenDesktop) and VMWare Horizon, are very difficult to configure, requiring enterprises to rely on XNUMXrd party IT consultants that are certified for the solution, or acquire their own expensive certified specialists.
β Not practical for organizations with very few computers.
Among other things, most VDI solutions are quite expensive. It is hardly worth investing in VDI with a small number of physical computers. In this situation, it makes more sense to use third-party providers that offer managed VDI services.
There are a few exceptions, such as Parallels RAS, which are easy to install and don't cost as much. However, there are difficulties here: it may be difficult to convince executives who are accustomed to trusting only world-famous brands to buy.
Despite these challenges, current and emerging technological and economic factors in Russia favor the adoption of VDI.
Ideal environment for implementing VDI
Firstly, these are inexpensive Internet communication services. A broadband connection in Russia costs, on average, only $10 (about 645 rubles) per month - a third or even a quarter of the cost of such a connection in the United States. And cheapness does not mean poor quality at all: the speed of the Internet connection in large cities is very high.
Since VDI desktops are typically delivered over the Internet (unless used within the same local area network), this factor provides a huge advantage in terms of total cost of ownership.
Currently, wireless connectivity is provided over 4G networks, but leading mobile operators in Russia have already begun rolling out LTE Advanced networks. Thus, preparations are underway for the launch of 5G networks in 2020 and for the fact that by 2025 5G networks should be available to 80% of the population.
These ambitious plans are supported by the state and major telecommunications operators such as Megafon, Rostelecom and MTS, making the prospects for VDI even more promising.
With multi-gigabit speeds and sub-millisecond latency, 5G networks will dramatically improve the user experience for VDI, making virtual desktops as fast as locally installed computers. It is likely that after the introduction of this technology, there will also be no need for WAN optimizers or application accelerators.
How SMBs can recoup their investment in VDI:
Even without 5G networks, the high availability of the Internet in Russia today makes VDI a viable option for small and medium businesses. At the same time, businesses need to exercise due diligence by choosing a solution that does not carry undue risks. If they manage to find a vendor offering evaluation versions of their product, they should seize the opportunity to evaluate whether a particular solution meets their needs before purchasing it.
Source: habr.com