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The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way we work. At the beginning of the lockdown, companies across the globe were forced to work from home. However, many employees found that they preferred to work remotely. Therefore, some businesses have either permanently adopted remote working models or given staff the option to work from home or come into the office.

Along with the shift to remote work, organizations have started to use VDI solutions and remote desktops. This blog post will go over what VDI desktops are, the benefits of using them, and the industries that typically use them.

VDI Desktops Explained

VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) is a desktop virtualization technology in which desktop operating systems are managed in a remote data center. Users can use VDI to access virtual desktops from any device and location. These virtual desktops store users' documents and applications on a remote cloud server. The endpoint in which a VDI system is accessed can be a traditional PC, mobile device, or thin client.

What are the Benefits of VDI?

Companies can gain many benefits from using VDI solutions. Five of these benefits will be discussed in more detail below.

1. Increased Mobility

The appeal of VDI systems is the increased mobility and flexibility they offer. VDI solutions can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making them ideal for remote work.

2. Advanced Security Measures

Companies can also improve their cybersecurity measures when they use VDI solutions. Many VDI systems include security measures such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and firewalls to protect data from malicious actors. VDI systems are configured so that only authorized users can access the system once they enter the proper login credentials. Managers should also look for a VDI solution compliant with regulatory standards like HIPAA, PCI, GDPR, and SOC 1. These measures help further ensure the safety and security of data.

3. Reduce Costs

Companies can reduce costs when they use VDI desktops. Since virtual desktops can be accessed from any device, businesses can implement BYOD (bring-your-own-device) policies instead of supplying devices to staff. Another way that VDI solutions can help reduce company costs is by eliminating the need to invest in hardware since virtual desktops connect to a remote cloud server.

4. Remote Desktop Support

Many VDI providers include remote desktop support. Remote desktop support allows users to contact support technicians to help them resolve a technical issue from another location. The user can send an email or support ticket to the technician. The support agent will then take control of the user's device and resolve the issue from there. Since the support agents are in a different location, remote desktop support is particularly useful for remote or hybrid companies.

5. Increased Scalability and Customization

Another benefit companies can gain from using VDI systems is the increased scalability they offer. Managers can scale the organization's virtual desktop environment up or down as needed. High scalability is helpful for companies that hire new employees on a seasonal basis. Users can also customize their virtual desktop environments to fit their individual needs., such as adding necessary software licenses.

What Industries Can Use VDI Solutions?

Companies of all sizes and industries can benefit from using VDI solutions, especially as remote work increases in popularity. However, some industries, in particular, can gain benefits from using VDI solutions.

1. Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare companies can use VDI solutions to help keep patient data safe and secure. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can access patient data and send each other important documents from any device. Managers should look for a VDI solution that follows HIPAA regulations.

2. Education

Schools and universities can benefit from using VDI solutions. Students can use virtual desktops to attend online classes, submit assignments, and work on group projects. Various security measures will protect student data. Teachers can scale their desktop environments up or down according to individual class sizes.

3. Legal Services

Another industry that can benefit from using VDI solutions is the legal sector. Lawyers and paralegals can use virtual desktops to take case work with them while on the go. Lawyers can rest assured that client and case data is safe at all times due to the various security measures in place.

4. Finance

The finance industry can also benefit from using VDI solutions. Financial professionals can use virtual desktops to store data and share important documents with clients and co-workers.