desktopsites Tackles SMB Desktop Virtualization Challenges

Desktop virtualization is an exciting new way to connect users to their applications and data beyond the PC. Instead of maintaining individual desktops and core applications on PCs, IT can now deliver these desktops and applications to these users more efficiently and securely from a centrally stored location, on-site or off-site. Management of these resources becomes streamlined and efficient, improving productivity and boosting ROI.

SMBs are primed to adopt desktop virtualization as part of their end user computing strategy in 2012 – 2013. However, many SMBs continue to face tight budgets and shortages of available expertise and resources, and this is all coupled with the desire to manage deployments in-house. Therefore, SMBs need simple and affordable desktop virtualization solutions that will take them from proof of concept to production, quickly, efficiently and cost effectively.

While there has been substantial progress with Microsoft’s free desktop virtualization tools in Windows Server 2012, SMBs still struggle considerably with management approaches from Microsoft for mixed client, server and mobile device requirements – capabilities that just aren’t possible with Microsoft free tools. And without a team to install and maintain Microsoft’s enterprise-level solution, System Center and all of its management tools, neither solution becomes a viable option for SMBs. They need something in the middle, with powerful enterprise-level features, but simple and at a reasonable cost.

desktopsites’ virtualization solution, Konect Elite, has been specifically designed for SMBs, supporting mixed servers, client desktops, and mobile devices. With Konect Elite, users have access to the information they need, when they need it, regardless of what device or client version they’re running. Konect Elite also provide users with seamless experience they need as they roam between their devices, all at an affordable price. It just makes sense for SMBs.

For more information, visit our website and take advantage of our 10 user Free 30 day trial.

VDI or RDS. Is your deployment about the desktop or is it about the apps?

Has the hype cycle of VDI (‘Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) become more subdued this first quarter of 2012 or has it heightened even more? I guess it depends on who you talk to. Global vendors such as Citrix and VMware, that have sunk hundreds of millions of dollars into developing &/or purchasing this technology, are on a mission to market this technology to its fullest capacity. Meaning, regardless if this is not the best solution for a business’s requirements, VDI will still be the recommendation for EVERY business need. Do you follow what I'm saying?..

So, the question one has to ask is “What problem am I trying to solve?”.

If you’re considering VDI deployments for mobile workers in order to provide them access to a core application or set of applications, then VDI is the wrong solution. In this case, Microsoft’s RDS as a baseline is a much better alternative starting point for a number of reasons:

1. It’s easier to deploy;

2. it’s a well-known case for software licensing;

3. It can scale much better.

If you’re considering a VDI initiative for the sole purpose of reducing expenses, stop your efforts. VDI does not save money. Doing VDI right means:

1. Investing money in core infrastructure, which includes robust servers and good terminal devices.

2. Consider any and all licensing pitfalls. Microsoft alone has what’s called a VDA (‘Virtual Desktop Access’) license requirement that is to be used in conjunction with virtual desktops accessed from non-Windows based devices. For those that have software assurance, this is included in your assurance program. However, for the vast majority of SMBs who don’t have software assurance, the cost per user is at a steep price of $110.00 / per device / per annum. This does not even include the other site licenses or concurrent user licenses for your software titles as many software licenses specifically prohibit use of the software in a virtual environment unless specific virtualization rights are purchased.

3. Storage resources are key for VDI. This will require one to build and/or outsource a storage environment that addresses VDI challenges.
Whether housed internally or outsourced to a third party, all these factors combined increase the costs of VDI substantially.

Bottom line: VDI has enjoyed a lot of hype – (actually, overkill hype - by large global vendors needing to replenish their exhausted pocket books on this technology). When done for the right reasons, and built the right way, VDI can transform a business and make more things accessible for all. However, there are many pitfalls that can’t be ignored. So, before you leap into the world of delivering and maintaining VDIs, ensure the following:

• Do VDI for the right business reason, addressing the problem you’re trying to solve. If the problem can be resolved using RDS as a baseline, consider your alternatives diligently.

• Build / outsource a storage environment that addresses VDI challenges.

• Consider all licensing pitfalls.
Here’s the great thing. Whether you want to deliver access to a core application or set of applications to mobile / remote workers, or you require the delivery of VDIs for specific user case scenarios, Konect Elite’s FlexSpin delivery technology can fulfill these requirements. Simply, easily and cost effectively.

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