3 Reasons to Embrace Virtualized Desktop Environments

Virtualized desktop infrastructure (VDI) was developed over ten years ago, but it hasn’t been fully realized until now. VDIs allowed for operating systems, typically Microsoft Windows, to be hosted remotely at a data center and then accessed over a network on a PC. This have also paved the way for virtualized desktop environments, which are similar to VDIs, but with a few tweaks.

VDEs Are Perfect for the Mobile Computing Environment

The computing world is completely different today, as compared to just a few years ago, thanks to the rise of smartphones and other mobile devices. These days, computing has gone mobile as people everywhere are accessing information and working on the go. In fact, IDC predicts nearly three quarters of the workforce will be mobile by 2020. Perhaps more surprising, most of these mobile workers will likely be using their own personal devices instead of ones provided by their employer. That’s why the move to a virtualized desktop environment is more important than ever.

Benefits of Moving to a VDE

There are many advantages of using VDEs, including virtualizing and centralizing legacy applications, which improves efficiency and productivity. Because VDEs allow for legacy systems and applications to be stored in a central location, executives and employees alike can access these apps and systems from any device no matter where they’re located, just like they could with a VDI. Here are a few other significant reasons businesses need to embrace virtual desktop environments:

1. Increased Productivity Across the Organization. Having a centralized, virtual environment increases your company’s productivity in a number of ways. For starters, productivity will improve because your IT team can manage apps, devices and security threats more effectively using a centralized desktop environment. They won’t waste time updating or patching each device separately. Additionally, your employees will be more productive because they can work whenever and from wherever they want. They also can use any device that works best for them. Furthermore, your overall business productivity will increase thanks to enhanced mobility across the entire organization, translating to a more efficient workflow.
2. Improved Security of Legacy Systems. One of the primary advantages of using a virtualized desktop environment is the level of security it provides, especially compared to outdated legacy systems and applications. Virtualized desktop environments keep sensitive corporate data and apps secure and helps companies practice better security overall. Therefore, it becomes much easier to maintain proper data security across the entire enterprise. For example, instead of applying security patches individually, your IT staff can easily update one master image in the data center that then gets distributed to all client devices automatically. This ensures that all devices are updated in a timely manner before security breaches can occur.
3. Improved Efficiency and Reduced Cost. Every business wants to be more efficient, and at the same time, save money. That’s what makes a virtualized desktop environment so amazing. You save both time and money with a VDE. Even better, your IT team will be much more efficient. A virtual desktop environment also saves your employees time because they can work at any time and from anywhere. Plus, when problems occur, they don’t have to be in a certain location to secure remedies. Better efficiency means time well spent, which translates to significant cost-savings. VDEs save money in other ways, as well. Thanks to the growing trend of “bring your own device” or BYOD, your company can reduce or even eliminate the cost of purchasing new hardware. It also allows your IT team to focus on more important projects instead of routine issues employees can handle themselves.

Should You Switch to a VDE?

Is it time for your company to embrace a virtualized desktop environment? Several advantages to switching to a VDE, including scalability, efficiency, productivity, security and cost effectiveness can be the missing piece in improving your company’s IT infrastructure. However, you want to do it right to avoid any VDE mistakes.

Photo Credit: CommScope Flickr via Compfight cc

This article was first published on New Era Technology