DaaS, VDI, VM and VD Overview
For many in the IT computing sphere, you have probably noticed that there are a lot of acronyms. At times, it seems as though the IT industry has as many acronyms as the military. Keeping all of these acronyms straight can be a pain, especially when the subjects in question are very complicated and overlapping.
The Conectrix team wants to make your job easier. Part of that commitment comes with providing explanations for complex concepts in the ever-evolving tech domain. Four concepts – DaaS (Desktop as a Service), VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), VM (Virtual Machine), and VD (Virtual Desktop) – are similar yet divergent, making for a confusing headache when trying to discern between them all.
Overview of DaaS, VDI, VM, and VD
DaaS or Desktop as a Service: A form of cloud computing where providers deliver virtual desktops to end-users over the Internet. This offering is done via licenses with a per-user subscription. The main vendors of DaaS are Citrix Vertical Cloud, VMware Horizon, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Workspaces.
VDI or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure: Refers to the use of virtual machines to provide and manage virtual desktops. Users can remotely access the host desktop operating systems from anywhere with any endpoint device. The desktop environments are hosted on a centralized and isolated server – all data is stored on these serves, not the users’ devices.
VM or Virtual Machine: Software that is created through a process known as server virtualization. In this process, a physical server is partitioned into multiple vertical servers through a hypervisor. Virtual machines can run any operating system, but they usually run desktop operating systems like MacOS or Windows in the form of a virtual desktop.
VD or Virtual Desktop: Preconfigured images of operating systems and applications in the form of a workstation which is hosted on a remote server and managed by an administrator. The desktop environment or workstation is separate from the physical device as it is hosted on a server. Users can remotely access their virtual desktop from anywhere with any device.
The Breakdown of the Virtual Environment
DaaS refers to a cloud service provider, like Effortless Office, RapidScale, or Matrix, delivering VDI to a business. A company could also build their own VDI environment instead of using a DaaS provider. DaaS is how virtual environments are delivered and managed for clients.
VMs are the technology that powers VDI. A VDI uses a hypervisor to segment servers into VMs that in turn host VDs, which the user accesses through their device. VMs can also be used for various applications, namely running a VD in a VDI environment.
The Relationship Between DaaS and VDI
DaaS providers normally handle the backend management of the VDI including storing, securing, and backing up user’s data, along with maintenance, updates, security, and applications. In specific cases, users may manage aspects of these services individually or build their own VDI. For small businesses, it is too expensive and resource-consuming to build their own VDI environment. So, they turn to a DaaS provider.
Building one’s own VDI can be expensive and require a large IT staff. The DaaS model shifts the burden of infrastructure set-up and management costs to the cloud service provider. DaaS vendors will also serve as an extension of a business’ IT staff, assisting with deployment and ongoing application issues.
Returning to the various players in the DaaS market, Amazon and Microsoft’s DaaS offerings are cheaper than Citrix and VMware. However, the first two are proprietary and ‘hands-off’ in their service, while the latter two offer guided onboarding, continual technical support, and managed services. Additionally, Citrix and VMware’s models like Effortless, RapidScale, or Matrix are easier to integrate with IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).
Persistent vs Non-Persistent VD
A virtual desktop can either be persistent or non-persistent, each presenting its own benefits and characteristics. In a persistent model, the user connects to the same desktop/VM each time, allowing for user personalization of the desktop since it saves changes and data.
In a non-persistent model, users log into generic desktops with no saved changes. Cheaper and simpler; often used by a business that has a lot of task workers performing limited sets of tasks. Non-persistent is likewise considered to have greater security than a persistent desktop.
Why Adopt DaaS and the Virtual Desktop?
According to a Gartner survey, 74% of CFOs say they will be moving previously on-site employees to remote roles. There has never been a better time to adopt the virtual desktop for all of your remote employees. On top of the user mobility and ease of access, virtual desktops will tighten your data security while saving your bottom line through their centralized management and fixed cost per user model.
While in the past it was expensive, resource-heavy, and time-consuming to build a VDI environment, it now is affordable and time conducive with the assistance of a DaaS vendor.
Conectrix’s primary objective is to provide your business with industry expertise, cost reduction, systems optimization, and active advancement towards your organization’s goals. If you are curious about DaaS, VDI, VM, or VD, do not hesitate to connect with us. Also, check out our other blogs covering similar topics.