Is A Virtual Desktop Right For Your Business?

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One of the things we’re often asked about is the Virtual Desktop. A lot of people seem to have heard the term, but aren’t really clear what it is or whether it’s right for their business.

So, what is a Virtual Desktop? Well, the concept is actually pretty simple.

It’s all about the Cloud.

We’re all familiar with the way we enter our own computing environment when we boot up a computer – our personal files, in folders we’ve created; our applications and even our wallpaper.

All that information – that profile – is stored on the computer’s hard drive.

With a virtual desktop, the user experience is exactly the same. But the difference is that all that data – everything that makes your desktop unique to you – is stored on a server. Or in the Cloud, as we say.

We access our personalised desktop through the internet. Hence the term Virtual Desktop.

So, what are the advantages and is the Virtual Desktop concept right for your business?

Well, there are a good few pluses to operating this system.

Here are a few of the main ones.

Security – everything is already backed up because it’s in the Cloud. You lose a notebook or a phone and there is no danger of sensitive information being accessed, because you simply block the password that allowed that device to access the Virtual Desktop.

Upgrading – let’s say your company wants to upgrade from one version of Windows to a new one. Normally, every device needs to be checked to see if it meets the necessary spec. Some devices will need to be replaced because they lack the processing power to cope and then the new operating system has to be installed on each device.

Imagine the hassle – especially if you have satellite offices.

But, with the virtual desktop, the upgrade is done almost instantly and everyone on the network has access to the new operating system.

Hardware costs – Because you don’t need so much computing power – because that’s all taking place on the server – you need less powerful and so less expensive devices. And that means money saved.

Support – Technical support is simpler when you operate a Virtual desktop simply because any work needed is centralised and carried out by a network administrator. Again, if your business has multiple sites this is a big cost saving.

Of course, the Virtual Desktop won’t be right for every business.

And one thing you may well have to bear in mind is the ‘Scare Factor’. This is an important consideration.

I’m talking about the big psychological shift involved in effectively transferring your business’s computing needs to the Cloud. That scares some people. In our experience, a clear understanding of what’s involved is the best way to dispel the ‘Scare Factor.’

That’s why, as always, it’s best to consult your IT supplier for information and advice. They should be able to help you assess whether the Virtual Desktop would work well for your business.