It‘s no news that VDI software is the future of 21st-century workspaces. Market Research Future reports the Complex Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of VDIs to be 16.1%, and it projects that by 2025, the Market Worth of VDIs should reach at least $25,496.3 million.
These figures barely project the monetary value of the industry without highlighting the psychological value of VDI products.
In essence, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solutions have gradually become the life wire of IT and virtual workspaces. In fact, running a virtual workspace without cloud-hosted desktops is in no way better than a Gen Z who still uses a beeper (what are beepers anyways?)
Well, like they say, better late than never, right? If you’ve not yet caught the VDI bug, or even worse, you have absolutely no clue about VDI, then you’ve come to the right place. This review is a comprehensive guide to the world of virtualization. Here, you’ll learn the essence of VDI, its pros and cons, alongside a thorough comparative analysis of the best VDI vendors in the industry.
Understanding Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is one of the three types of desktop virtualization. Think of it as a virtual desktop that consists of software applications, an operating system, and hardware resources. It is a cloud computing platform designed to replace physical desktops and eliminate the need for numerous physical server rooms.
Here’s how VDI works:
Virtual desktops are created by partitioning servers into virtual machines (VMs), which users can access from any location using their devices. Users can access their virtual desktops from nearly any computer or location because the host server handles all processing. Also, endpoint customers enjoy a rapid connection to their desktops with a connection broker, an application gateway that acts as a middleman between the user and the server.
Unlike in the 19th and 20th centuries, VDI brought about a technological development where servers are grouped into a chain of virtual computers. These cloud computing systems serve as virtual clones of the physical desktop, allowing users to utilize them virtually on their physical desktops and computers.
With VDI software, business owners can now create virtual workspaces for their employees to access seamlessly from anywhere in the world. These virtual computing platforms present an interface that is highly secure, efficient, and cost-effective.
Why Should I Adopt Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?
There are a thousand and one reasons why business owners should use VDI software. With the ecosystem doing the most and delivering harsh weather conditions at whim, the last thing you want to worry about is a server crash. And while some crashes are redeemable, many have destroyed brands and organizations. Thus, the least you could do for your brand and mental health is to utilize a reliable server system like Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
Asides from being reliable, virtual desktops allow for easy connectivity. Whether you run an SME or a large firm with thousands of employees, you can operate your business conveniently from anywhere and anytime, as if they were physically connected to your company’s server. All they need is a strong internet connection, a desktop or laptop, and access to the virtual desktop infrastructure deployed by your company.
Also, VDI is cost-effective. Imagine there were no virtual desktop providers and business owners had to dedicate a server room in every country where they operate. Powering the server rooms (overhead costs) and hiring human resources to maintain these servers (operating costs) will take a massive chunk of any organization’s earnings. With virtual desktop infrastructure, however, you only need to pay a reasonable fee at intervals, and they deliver steady and seamless virtualization to your users. In fact, some VDI providers treat new users to a free trial period of up to 12 months.
5 Best VDI Solutions & Providers in 2023
Here are the best VDI solutions & providers to utilize in 2023:
1. V2 Cloud
V2 Cloud is an easy-to-use software delivering multiple solutions to businesses.
It’s designed with a simple setup that allows you to deploy virtual desktops in about 10 clicks!
Notable Solutions
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Multi-user/single-user desktop
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Published Applications
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Intuitive management console
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Daily Backups
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Malware protection
Features
V2 Cloud is focused on providing speed and simplicity. It’s a fully integrated virtual desktop that helps you grow your business. V2 Cloud is an all-in-one software with an intuitive management console for accessibility. This management dashboard creates access to billings, cloud resources, security settings, and full administration activities.
V2 Cloud enables its users to have access to data, services, and programs from a variety of services. With this virtual machine, you may enjoy access to all your data, mobile app, and web applications from any hardware endpoint, including Windows and iOS devices and the sensational Raspberry Pi thin client. Thus instead of creating separate rooms and managing tons of applications severely, they can be managed from a single point with V2 Cloud’s virtual desktop.
In contrast to other well-liked options, deploying cloud desktops with V2 Cloud doesn’t call for extensive training or certificates. This VDI provider allows users to host desktops in the cloud in fewer than 10 clicks. And since the virtual desktops are fully managed by V2 Cloud, business owners and service providers have more time to concentrate on key business goals.
You will also benefit from multi-factor authentication, HTTPS encryption, white labeling, and bi-directional copy & paste. Moreover, it has storage bucket options to ensure you never worry about storage capacity. Thanks to this feature, users can access unlimited storage capacity to ascertain data durability.
Users can also manage customized workflows by adding jobs to a prioritized feed and receiving real-time updates. To prevent unwanted parties from accessing data, V2 Cloud’s content collaboration functionality enables team members to save and exchange files via secure links. Additionally, workers can utilize virtual desktops to automate tasks and activities, including email reminders, calendar scheduling, and more.
Best For
It’s suitable for small and large businesses. V2 Cloud is perfect for companies with remote or hybrid workers because it offers ultimate data security.
Pricing
Team Desktops: Ranges from $40 to 1120/Month
Individual Desktops: Ranges from $35 to 240/ Month
Downsides
V2 Cloud’s virtual desktop solution is most functional when a user has strong connectivity. So, if your internet bandwidth is poor, you might not enjoy using this virtual machine.
2. Venn
Local Zone is Venn’s very own Virtual Desktop Alternative and the first of its kind in the industry. In the company’s report on IT policies and productivity, Venn noted that with the ever-increasing rate of cyber insecurity, companies are bound to implement security protocols in a bid to enhance the company security. However, these security implementations could sometimes be cumbersome for employees, making them unwilling to cooperate.
In a survey by Venn, 71% of Americans surveyed were reported to have employed tactics to get around their company’s IT policies to maintain efficiency and productivity on their end. And while the intent of these employees to stay productive is laudable, their actions could expose the company to a security breach. It is primarily for this reason that Venn launched its Local Zone in 2021 in a bid to provide a virtual desktop infrastructure alternative with premium cybersecurity for businesses.
Notable Solutions
- Remote / work-from-anywhere access for employees
- Security compliance with strict cybersecurity standards
- BYOD flexibilities in the workplace
- Protects sensitive data
- Eradicates conventional VDI tech stack
Features
The major highlight of Venn’s LocalZone is its unique centralized management technology infused with an isolation technique. This virtual desktop alternative affords users the luxury of a smooth switch between business and personal life while maintaining security at both ends. In essence, while there is a secure coexistence of both worlds on the same device, business resources cannot be utilized for personal gains by employees.
Its flexible nature and broad reach make it easy for remote workers to do jobs securely and with little disruption. Companies can also strengthen their defense against cyberattacks by deploying VDA without impeding the productivity of their employees with strict security protocols.
Due to VDA’s versatile applicability, Local Zone’s services can be used by companies in any industry, including the healthcare, legal, technology, financial, and education industries. However, its services are most appropriate for companies in the Insurance, Investment Advisory, and Broker-Dealership industries.
Pricing
Custom quote available on request.
Downsides
It seems the server capacity is not extensive enough, as users sometimes experience decreased speed and bandwidth issues due to server overload.
3. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft’s cloud-based VDI is built to offer speedy configuration. It is designed to provide employees with efficient and effective resources together with an optimum virtual experience.
Notable Solutions
- Speedy processing, analysis, and storage of data of any velocity
- AI-influenced speech comprehension, data prediction, and image analysis
- Safeguards apps and data using dependable security services
- On-premises workloads can now benefit from the cloud’s flexibility and innovation.
- Compatible with IoT devices
Features
Although Windows products are not always the easiest to configure, this virtual desktop is relatively easy to deploy. From the Azure Portal, you fully control your employees’ virtual desktops.
T
hus, you can monitor and ensure company resources are strictly used for company gains. In a single interface, you control user assignments, run diagnostics and monitor access.
Azure’s Virtual Desktop supports quite a number of Windows versions. It projects Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10 single-session, Windows 7 single-session, Windows 10 multi-session, and newer operating systems. You can speedily provide your employees with an entire Windows 10 PC loaded with all your business software. And with its easy scalability feature, you can alter the number of virtual desktops utilized without disruptions as your workforce changes.
Pricing
Custom quote available on request
Downsides
While Microsoft Azure’s VDI is no doubt worth every penny, it is not entirely cost-friendly for small-scale businesses. Also, the interface is not entirely user-friendly, particularly for users who are not tech-inclined. It could take a while to get the hang of it.
4. Amazon Web Services
Asides from Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services has to be the most popular and widely used of all virtual desktop infrastructure solutions. And it’s not just hype or some passing trend. The company has indeed positioned itself in a position to not only provide VDI solutions but to ensure that users can enjoy the world of virtualization without capacity issues. This virtual desktop vendor also has partnership agreements in several continents that allow for a far reach of quality services.
How It Works
After selecting the Amazon Workspace bundle of your choice, you can indicate and launch as many virtual spaces as will be sufficient for your users. Once you’re done, your users will receive emails containing instructions on how to connect to their dedicated Workspace and obtain the necessary client software. With all these in place, they can commence their designated duties with access to your corporate resources.
Notable Solutions
- Easy migration of apps and data to AWS’ fully managed database
- Reliable and affordable backup options.
- Ease of use for remote employees, creatives, and professionals.
- Blockchain ledger exchange between trusted parties
- High-Performance Computing
Features
A standout feature of Amazon Web Service is its scalability. You no longer have to spend weeks and months onboarding thousands of employees. Instead, the scalability model allows you to select the number of cloud-based desktops that’ll serve your needs and manage them centrally. It is almost like pushing a lever, only that this one could take a couple of hours. Depending on your firm’s size and VDI needs, you can scale up or down to keep up with regular business cycles and unforeseen circumstances.
This VDI provider is not only fast, but it is also cost-effective. In essence, it cuts back on the cost of managing on-premises desktops and other overhead costs that usually accrue. You need not bother yourself with funding or securing complex licensing agreements. AWS does all the grunt work for you, leaving you to focus only on business essentials. And unlike the conventional desktop, you enjoy more functionality, accessible sync features, and overall, a more reliable virtualization experience.
Speaking of reliability, AWS has data security at the core of its virtual desktop infrastructure. They are heavy on security in cloud computing, and they have stringent security measures in place to ensure the safety compliance of endpoint users and third-party. The AWS Remote Work Solution was created to comply with the strictest security standards in the world. Thus, you can rely on the AWS global infrastructure, knowing that your data is always under your control and that you can encrypt, migrate, and regulate retention at any time, whether at work or home.
Pricing
Custom quote available on request\
Downsides
Amazon Workspace has a user-friendly interface, but it could be slightly tricky to set up. You could also experience some performance glitches while using it.
5. Hysolate
As the name implies, Hysolate is a VDI solution that isolates company resources and confidential data from personal and third-party content. This solution is designed to implement the highest level of security while accessing company resources. It allows running several segregated operating systems simultaneously on a single device without compromising safety and security.
How It Works
Hysolate was created to allow users to access sensitive files and websites without jeopardizing their system security. Basically, when installed, Hysolate integrates a different world on your desktop, so you have your host interface and Hysolate’s isolated environment. Users can specify which devices are allowed and which virtual environments they can connect to.
It acts like a sandbox that shoulders the effect of malware. For instance, if you had to download an app or pdf from an untrusted site for work purposes, all you need to do is open your browser in Hysolate, download the file, and access it there. And it gets even better.
Notable Solutions
- Top attack vector coverage
- Holisic threat prevention
- Plug and play deployment
- Agile and responsive
Features
Hysolate’s Perception Point has to be one of the most intelligent virtual machines. It detects when you are about to access a sensitive site and sends a prompt. If you are unsure about the site, you click on the “Add as sensitive” option. The site automatically opens in Hysolate’s workspace. And this workspace is designed with precautionary measures.
For example, Hysolate prevents copying and pasting from sensitive websites and apps. It forestalls accidental data leakage to these channels by preventing screen and keystroke capture, USB, and printer access. Additionally, to prevent the exfiltration of user data for extortion by host and third-party apps, this virtual machine encrypts any user data in the sensitive zone, including your cached credentials. Think of it as an amazingly fortified heaven for company resources and client information.
Unlike most VDIs, Hysolate is installed from the endpoint like regular software, and it is of two access types: Sensitive Access and Endpoint Threat Protection.
While both access types are similar, they are not interchangeable. The minute you switch from one to the other, Hysolate immediately rids your desktop of the VM in operation and creates a new one for your use. Also, since Hysolate is a non-persistent VDI, the virtual machine resets on every restart.
The virtual machine is user-friendly, easy to access, and comes preinstalled with some applications, including Google Chrome.
Pricing
Custom quote available on request. Click here to access either of Hysolate’s VM plans.
Downsides
Hysolate is not an all-encompassing virtual machine. Since it is not cloud-based, it doesn’t make storage provisions. Thus users still have to find file management solutions.
Try Hysolate’s Virtual Machine
Verdict
Organizations and individuals are in for a treat in 2023. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure providers continuously develop forward-paced products and solutions to virtualization problems, and the VDI providers mentioned are undoubtedly the best in the industry. While they indeed have their downsides, they have premium features that make them preferred over their contemporaries.
Embrace virtualization with any of these VDI providers today and watch your business stay productive, mobile, and secure.
