August 5, 2009

Summary
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of how VDI, SBC, thin clients, application virtualization, and User Environment Management technology can be used as a cost-effective replacement for desktop PC’s.

What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)?
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the practice of hosting a desktop operating system on a virtual machine that is running on a centralized server.  The purpose of implementing a VDI solution is to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of desktop management by simplifying the traditional desktop lifecycle while at the same time delivering a personalized desktop to the end-user.

What is Server-Based Computing (SBC)?
Server-based computing (SBC) is a practice whereby applications are deployed, managed, and executed on a server as opposed to an end-point client computer.  Only the screen information, keyboard strokes, and mouse movements are transmitted between the server and client.
 
Challenges with Managing the User Environment in VDI and SBC Solutions
Historically, the primary method for delivering applications to users has been via the Personal Computer (PC) – a productive and highly personalized environment but typically hard and costly to manage.   With the introduction of server-based computing and virtual desktop infrastructures from companies like Citrix and VMWare, a lower cost, standardized alternative is available but at the expense of the personal experience for the end user.

Cost and management savings through virtual desktops (whether delivered by SBC or VDI) can only be realized if users  embrace these methods of delivery by receiving an equivalent or better experience to that of their local PC.  These new standardized virtual desktops must be personalized on demand and this can only be achieved by treating the user’s environment as another “layer” of the corporate desktop.

The first layer of the corporate desktop is the operating system itself.  Virtualization technologies like Citrix XenServer and VMWare ESX allow the hardware and the operating system to be decoupled.  This enables multiple desktops to be centrally hosted on a server while the end-point device is swapped out for a low cost thin client.  The use of a low cost thin client at the desktop provides end users with certain aspects of a PC (e.g., monitor, keyboard, mouse, flash memory) but with the cost and management of a centrally hosted model because thin clients exclude many of the items found in a PC (e.g., disk drives, cooling fans, and much of the RAM).

The second layer of the corporate desktop consists of the applications.  Decoupling the applications from the operating system means that applications can be managed separately and delivered to a desktop when needed.  Using application virtualization significantly reduces the management required for this layer.

The third layer of the corporate desktop is the user personality.  Decoupling the operating system and application layers enables corporate desktops to be standardized and assembled on demand.  However, something is missing in this strategy…the user personality that interacts with the desktop.

The AppSense Management Suite is the technology that supports THE THIRD LAYER.  AppSense removes the need for profile management, policy management, and complex login scripts. You can also eliminate application and resource conflicts, bloated and unstable user profiles, and extensive logon times.   AppSense Management Suite Version 8.0, available from Accudata Systems, is a fully integrated solution comprising four components: Application Manager, Environment Manager, Performance Manager, and the Management Center, providing complete Policy and Personalization Management, Application Entitlement, and System Resource Entitlement across all desktop and application delivery mechanisms such as Citrix® XenApp, Microsoft Windows® Terminal Services, VMware VDI, Citrix® XenDesktop, Provisioned Operating Systems, and Virtualized and Locally Installed Applications complete with reporting, auditing, and failover capabilities.

Click here to read more about improving the end-user experience in your organization with AppSense Management Suite Version 8.0.

To find out more about the VDI, SBC, thin clients, application virtualization, User Environment Management, and other technologies mentioned in this article, please call Accudata Systems at 800-246-4908 or e-mail us at info@accudatasystems.com.


About AppSense
AppSense is the leading provider of user environment management solutions for the enterprise, with over ten years proven track record in the virtualization space. User environment management is a proven method of reducing desktop management costs by treating the user environment independently of the desktop and delivery method. This separation enables IT to standardize the corporate desktop and automate the delivery of the user’s working environment, significantly reducing operational cost.


About Accudata Systems, Inc.
Accudata Systems is an IT consulting and integration firm with more than twenty-seven years of experience providing high impact IT services and integrated solutions. With focused competencies in Enterprise Platforms, Security, Infrastructure, Assessments & Compliance, Unified Communications, and Managed Services, Accudata Systems provides a full array of services ranging from technology assessments to project deployment and support. As trusted advisors to our clients, we assist them in creating and supporting a computing environment that maximizes their investment in information technology. Accudata Systems is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has offices in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Los Angeles. Get more information at www.accudatasystems.com .