
Virtualizations
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Software, Explained!
By TechDogs Editorial Team

Overview
The Machines want to make Neo’s work easier by providing virtual desktops through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (or VDI) Software. What’s that you ask? Well, VDI Software easily brings a virtual desktop environment straight to your personal laptop, smartphone or tablet. This is done as smoothly as Neo dodges bullets — you’ll completely forget that you’re using a virtual remote desktop. Think about being able to work from literally anywhere (yes, even from inside the Matrix!); it’s almost too good to be true!
So, without further ado, here’s the compelling story of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Software. Strap in — it’s going to be as exciting as The Matrix trilogy!
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Are you ready to dive into the system? Imagine a world where you can be plugged in and stay that way forever. Yeah, we know it sounds scary but it is not as painful as being unplugged from The Matrix! We’re talking about Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or VDI for short. It helps organizations improve their day-to-day workflows in a cost-efficient manner through virtualization technologies. This virtualization technology is based on an extremely simple concept - it gives users access to a desktop environment that is launched from a centralized location so they can work virtually anywhere (no pun intended!). This is made possible by a VDI Software that runs the virtual environment that is beamed to your device.
When it came to The Matrix, Morpheus told Neo “You'll have to see it for yourself.” However, at TechDogs, we don’t do that – we’re going to talk in detail about the history, working, benefits and future of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software – let’s dive in!
What Is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software, Morpheus?
VDI Software is a software that manages and runs a virtual desktop operating system. The software does through virtual machines (VM) that are managed on a centralized server. It’s literally in the name “desktop virtualization” – everything you see on your desktop is being “beamed” or virtualized from a remote location. So, your work desktop can be relayed to your laptop at home – remember that the next time you apply for a leave!
The image of the desktop is sent to a user’s device remotely but is utilized as if the user’s desktop was running it locally. Yes, that means there is no lag or delay. The end-user device could be a laptop, smartphone or a tablet.
Now what? Well, we need to do a little digging before we talk about how this technology actually works. So, that means…
You guessed it — back to the time machine!
The Story Of VDI Is Not As Old As The Matrix!
The journey begins in the early 2000s when customers of VMware hosted desktop processes that were virtualized. In fact, they were the first commercially successful company to virtualize the current x86 architecture. They did this with ESX (Elastic Sky X Integrated – an application that runs directly on system hardware and doesn't require an operating system) and VMware servers. The Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol was launched in 2006. It was a protocol that connected computers to one another via a network. A dedicated management application (called connection broker) was used to control the myriad of connections between remote desktops and end-user devices.
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In 2005, VMware held their second VMware conference. It was here that VMware introduced a prototype for the connection broker protocol.
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It wasn’t until a year later in 2006 that the term VDI was coined. Microsoft and Citrix joined the party at this time as well, releasing their own VDI products.
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Skipping ahead a few years to the mid-2010s, and you see Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) gaining rapid popularity. This is where, through a subscription, desktop virtualization was made available by a third-party provider. One of the first products that ever worked this was made by Amazon, with VMware and Citrix following close behind.
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More recently in 2019, Windows Virtual Desktop came into existence. It utilized the Azure cloud, enabling a multi-user version of Windows 10.
As you can see Neo, the Machines have improved a lot over the last few decades. Yet, your question is about how they work, right?
Morpheus, You Need To Tell Us How Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Works!
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Well, to start there are two main things that make up the structure of a VDI Software — (just like there were two pills!) a connection broker and a hypervisor.
The physical hardware component is the hypervisor. “Is that a visor with too much energy?” Not this time Neo — a hypervisor refers to firmware, software or even hardware that produces and operates virtual machines (VM). No, not the ones from The Matrix!
This hypervisor allows multiple virtual machines to run on the host computer. These VM's are known as ghost machines… Boo!
The multiple virtual desktops are deployed from one physical server, which is generally a data center.
So now what brings the desktop to the end user? The connection broker. This is where each user is authenticated, regardless of the type of device they are utilizing. Today, we can work with a 1-to-many ratio (that means deploying a single virtual desktop instance to multiple users). Before that, you were looking at a 1:1 ratio, where one instance was sent to one user. Talk about scaling up!
A call center would be an example of something that utilizes VDI Software to its fullest potential and helps with scalability, among other things.
Now, here's a surprise - display protocols.
The end user’s display is controlled by the display protocol. Data between the user and the server that is launching the VDI is operated by remote display protocol. This means that end user movements, such as mouse movements or keyboard actions, are transferred back to the server where the desktop instance is running. Then, data is sent back to the end user in real-time to give them the experience of a desktop being run locally.
Now, let’s look at the types of pills, uhhh, we mean VDI Software.
Types Of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software
Each type of VDI uses a specific software to enable those features.
First there is Persistent VDI, which allows each user to personalize their desktop with features such as screensavers, shortcuts – and of course passwords. This enhances the end-user’s experience, allowing them to make their virtual desktop their own.
Second, there’s Non-persistent VDI. When someone logs on, a new VDI desktop comes into view. This is more beneficial to the organization since it lowers cost and makes manageability easier; however, the user experience isn’t customized.
So, what does this mean for users leveraging VDI?
Do The Machines Really Have Our Best Interests In Mind?
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Mobility is the main benefit that VDI Software offers, which is especially critical in our current work climate. Take a look around you! Workers are constantly on the move or working remotely.
VDI Software adapts to this work environment with ease. Organizations love scalability which allows them to expand or condense their VDI deployments depending on their workload that may change from day to day, month to month and year to year.
As far security is concerned, this software has got you covered. If a user's device that is used to accesses a virtual desktop is stolen or hacked, no sensitive information is leaked as the data is stored centrally, not on the user’s device (locally). Hence, risk of data or identity theft is eliminated.
Moreover, a consistent remote workspace is provided for employees, making for a better experience. Doesn’t matter if you're working from home, a beach or a cafe – VDI Software enables you to access all your work resources through a familiar desktop interface in real-time!
How cool is that! Not much cooler that the future of VDI Software – read on!
How Does It All End, Neo – The Future
"I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin."
- Neo, ‘The Matrix' (1999).
Well, not to say we’re better than Neo but we do know the future - of VDI Software! You’ll see an increased need for utilization of DaaS (Desktop-as-a-Service) as people across the global workforce will work remotely or in a hybrid fashion. DaaS will allow businesses to easily scale their remote workforce in the future, resulting in higher collaboration and business revenue. Moreover, this will open up new opportunities for businesses in terms of cost-savings and scalability.
VDI Software will integrate easily and seamlessly with cloud services, resulting in better reliability while scaling up. This will drive business to partner with VDI vendors as cloud resources and subscription-based DaaS model go hand in hand. Well, Neo, the future looks bright – no need to fight the Machines anymore!
Conclusion
So you see, the Machines wanted to help out after all! VDI Software brings virtualized desktop environments to the end-user, so your organization can easily and swiftly scale your remote teams. Employees will have secure and instant access to work resources despite being physically in a different location than the office. What’s more is that it works so well you'll never know that it isn’t working locally!
Neo, Morpheus, the Machines and you will equal one big, happy (virtual) family!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Software is a system that manages and operates virtual desktop operating systems through virtual machines (VMs) centralized on a server. This software facilitates desktop virtualization by transmitting the desktop image to a user's device remotely, allowing users to access and interact with their desktop environment from anywhere. Whether you're working from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, VDI Software enables seamless utilization of the virtual desktop as if it were running locally on the device, without any noticeable lag or delay.
How Does Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Work?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure operates on two main components: a connection broker and a hypervisor. The hypervisor, a physical hardware component, creates and manages VMs, enabling multiple virtual desktops to run on a single host computer. These virtual desktops are deployed from a centralized server, typically located in a data center. The connection broker authenticates users and manages connections between virtual desktop instances and end-user devices. Display protocols control the user's display, transferring data between the user and the server in real-time to provide a seamless desktop experience.
What Are the Benefits of Using Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software?
The adoption of VDI Software offers several advantages for organizations and end-users alike. Mobility is greatly enhanced, allowing users to work remotely and access their virtual desktops from any location with internet connectivity. Scalability is another key benefit, enabling organizations to expand or condense their VDI deployments based on fluctuating workload demands. From a security standpoint, VDI Software mitigates the risk of data or identity theft, as sensitive information is stored centrally rather than on individual user devices. Additionally, VDI Software provides a consistent remote workspace experience, ensuring productivity and accessibility regardless of physical location.
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