What is virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)?

VDI relies heavily on cloud computing to deliver flexible desktop environments accessible from almost any device and location. At its core, VDI separates the desktop environment from the physical hardware, allowing it to be hosted on centralized servers or cloud platforms.

Here’s a breakdown of the technology behind VDI and the key components that make it all possible.

The core technology behind VDI
VDI is based on virtualization, which allows a single physical machine to run multiple virtual desktops. This is achieved by using a hypervisor, a piece of software that manages virtual machines and allocates resources like CPUs, memory, and storage.

The virtual desktop runs within a virtual machine, which mimics the functions of a physical computer—meaning that an employee interacts with their desktop environment as if they’re working on their own device.

Six key components of VDI

1. Virtual machines 
   VDI desktops are essentially virtual machines. Each virtual machine is an isolated environment that functions as a desktop, with its own operating system, applications, and settings.
2. Hypervisor 
   The hypervisor sits on the physical server or cloud platform and manages the allocation of resources to each virtual machine. It ensures that each virtual desktop operates independently and securely.
3. Connection broker 
   This is the gateway between the employee and their virtual desktop. The connection broker authenticates users and directs them to the correct virtual machine based on their access permissions. It ensures that team members always connect to their personalized desktop environment.
4. Storage 
   VDI requires a central storage system to hold the operating systems, applications, and user data for the virtual desktops. This storage is typically located in a datacenter or the cloud and can be optimized for speed and redundancy.
5. Client device 
   This is the device the employee is working on, whether it's a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone. While the client device doesn’t need to have significant processing power, it does require an internet connection to access the virtual desktop.
6. User profile management 
   User profiles store settings and preferences, ensuring that your team members have a personalized experience each time they log into their virtual desktop. These profiles are managed centrally so employees can access the same environment regardless of where or how they connect.

Here’s how the VDI process works:

• User authentication—When an employee logs in, the connection broker verifies their identity.
• Virtual desktop assignment—The connection broker connects the team member to an available virtual desktop based on their profile.
• User interaction—The employee then accesses the virtual desktop, interacting with applications and files as they would on a physical machine.
• Centralized management—IT administrators manage all virtual desktops from a single location, ensuring consistent updates and security.

VDI offers powerful benefits for businesses looking to support remote work, improve security, reduce costs, and simplify IT operations. A growing number of companies are choosing VDI because it helps them:

• Support a hybrid or remote workforce. 
  VDI gives employees access to their full desktop experience from nearly anywhere, using any device.
• Improve security and control.
  Because desktops run on centralized servers, sensitive data stays in the datacenter or cloud—not on local devices. This allows for tighter access control and helps with effective data governance across the organization.
• Simplify desktop management. 
  With VDI, your IT teams can manage updates, patches, and policies across all virtual desktops from a single location. This also makes it easier for them to support application modernization to keep software up to date and optimized for virtual environments.
• Scale efficiently.
  Virtual desktops can be added, removed, or reassigned quickly, which is ideal for growing teams or seasonal workforces.
• Deliver consistent employee experiences.
  Employees always access the same desktop, regardless of their device or location.
• Reduce hardware costs.
  Employees using VDI can access high-performance virtual desktops, even if they’re using older or lower-powered devices. This eliminates the need for frequent hardware upgrades.
• Accelerate onboarding.
  New team members can get set up and start working quickly without the need for a new physical device.

Common VDI use cases
Here are just a few reasons why businesses turn to VDI:

Remote and hybrid work
VDI provides a consistent, secure desktop experience for team members no matter where they’re working. It’s especially helpful for organizations with employees who split their time between the office and home.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
When employees use personal devices for work, VDI helps protect company data. Because desktops are run in the cloud, nothing sensitive is stored on the employee’s own device.

Temporary or contract workforces
With VDI, businesses can set up temporary desktops for contractors or seasonal employees without the need to ship hardware or manage local machines.

High-security environments
Businesses in industries like finance, healthcare, and government often need stricter control over data and access. VDI supports centralized security policies and helps with compliance requirements.

Business continuity and disaster recovery
Because virtual desktops can be accessed from anywhere, they’re easier to restore when there are unexpected disruptions. This makes VDI a useful tool for disaster recovery planning.