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There was a time when VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure) was merely a tech buzzword. However, in recent years, more organizations have adopted the use of VDI solutions to accommodate the switch to remote work brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. VDI can best be defined as technology frameworks that use virtual machines to provide and manage virtual desktops. Virtual desktops are computing programs that can be accessed from any device and operating system.

VDI virtual desktops can help improve the quality of remote work. Companies of all sizes and industries can greatly benefit from implementing VDI solutions into their workforces. There are many virtual desktop providers on the market, such as Amazon WorkSpaces, V2 Cloud, Citrix, and vDesk.works.

There are two main types of VDI solutions: persistent and non-persistent. The two types each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Each type of VDI solution will be explained in more detail below. Let’s get started!

What is Persistent VDI?

When organizations implement persistent VDI solutions, each user gets their own virtual desktop. Each virtual desktop runs from a separate disk image. Users’ settings are saved and appear on the screen at each login. This makes it easier for users to adapt to using virtual PCs since they are similar to traditional computers. These systems are also easier for administrators to manage. Persistent VDI allows for more personalization and is ideal for industries that participate in on-going projects such as marketing and accounting. Users can customize their virtual desktops with the software and applications they need to perform their work.

However, one of the main disadvantages of persistent VDI is that it requires a lot of storage. Some smaller companies may find that they do not have the digital storage capacity to support virtual desktops that use persistent VDI. Also, employees that work from home may not have the capacity to rely on persistent VDI. Also, persistent VDI solutions require more frequent backups than non-persistent systems.

What is Non-Persistent VDI?

In non-persistent VDI systems, users continually log into different virtual desktops. The system is wiped and starts fresh upon rebooting, which makes non-persistent VDI more secure than persistent VDI. There are no personalization options when it comes to non-persistent VDI solutions. For this reason, companies such as call centers use non-persistent VDI solutions. Enterprises with large workforces can also benefit from using non-persistent VDI systems if they have shifting rotations of employees that do not need to save their information at the end of each work day.

However, one of the main disadvantages of using non-persistent VDI is its lack of flexibility. Since virtual desktops cannot be personalized, users cannot add certain software applications to their system. This makes it difficult for some users to do their work.

Selecting a Virtual Desktop Provider

Companies should know how to choose a reliable VDI provider, regardless of whether they choose to use persistent or non-persistent VDI. Before selecting a VDI provider, company managers should read online reviews and testimonials to find a provider that has served businesses like theirs in the past. Many virtual desktop providers offer online demos and free trials. Managers should take advantage of these so they can try out the virtual desktop systems to see which one works best for the company.