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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