Desktop PCs are expensive. They need upgrading every few
years and require constant patching and IT management to ensure
they remain secure and function correctly.
Thin client computing has given IT departments a way to solve
many of the problems associated with traditional desktop computing
by removing PCs from user's desks, centralising PC applications on
servers such as Citrix Metaframe, and offering thin client devices
for access.
Businesses have deployed this model where they require secure
end-user computing and where traditional desktop PC deployments
have not been practical.
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), also known as hosted
desktop infrastructure, is the logical evolution of thin client
computing. It allows the server infrastructure to be deployed in
the cloud and end-users to access applications and data via the
internet.
Gartner analyst Brian Gammage said in a
blog that desktop virtualisation technology has been drawing
significant interest from enterprises for over two years, and many
pilot/proof-of-concept deployments look set to go "live" in the
year ahead.
With businesses waiting to upgrade their desktop PCs to Windows
7, now could be the best time to assess the different options
available.
Dale Vile, research director at analyst firm Freeform Dynamics,
said, "Now is a great time for IT directors to talk about new ways
to deal with the desktop because people have skipped Vista and are
looking forward to upgrading to Windows 7."
Businesses are already familiar with the concept of managed
desktop services. In this approach, the supplier takes ownership of
the desktop and leases it back to the company. Suppliers are now
beginning to supplement this model of desktop outsourcing with thin
client and hosted desktop services.
Remote access
Among the options is a suite of services from IBM for desktop
cloud computing services, announced yesterday, which enables users
to access their information remotely from various devices.
The
IBM Smart Business Desktop uses IBM's cloud subscription
service to help businesses virtualise desktop applications and
data. IBM said the service requires no upfront capital or one-time
expense and is designed to provide security, resilience,
reliability and quality for virtual desktops. There are three types
of service, covering desktop cloud computing accessed over the
internet, hosted desktop virtualisation on a private network, and
on-premises managed services.
Thin client desktops
HP has chosen to put thin client technology on standard PC
desktops. The company has launched
Thin Client Setup
Wizard to help IT departments deploy thin client software on
desktop PCs. HP is now also supporting software tools such as
Microsoft Windows Fundamentals for legacy PCs. HP says this
software allows traditional PCs to operate like a thin client,
locking down unnecessary components for greater security.
Virtual desktop environment
Dell has expanded its
Flexible Computing portfolio by incorporating VMware View into
its Virtual Remote Desktop product. This also allows IT managers to
run virtual desktops in the datacentre, while giving end-users a
single view of their applications and data, which can be accessed
from any device, according to Dell.
Centralising PCs in a datacentre may not seem a big priority for
IT directors, but desktop virtualisation is becoming more viable,
especially if it is used to provide computer resources for
non-power users.