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VirtualizationVirtualization is a trend that is changing the way organizations approach IT. The aim is to insert a virtual layer that allows obscuring the physical components of the infrastructure and simplify interaction between users, applications and physical hardware. Over the last few years, virtualization has really taken off in the datacenter space because of the tremendous savings in hardware, space, power and cooling as well as personnel costs to manage the infrastructure. Now that server virtualization is becoming mainstream, organizations are revisiting the use of virtualization to deliver desktop applications for users. There are many benefits to virtualizing desktops including simplified management, data security, secure remote access and reduced hardware and operating costs. Deployment of Virtual Infrastructure The deployment of virtual infrastructure is non-disruptive, since the user experiences are largely unchanged. However, virtual infrastructure gives administrators the advantage of managing pooled resources across the enterprise, allowing IT managers to be more responsive to dynamic organizational needs and to better leverage infrastructure investments. There are two major choices for Virtual Infrastructure, Virtual Desktop (VDI) or Server Based (SBC). VDI differs significantly from Server Based Computing. SBC users access published desktops or applications via Terminal Servers using client software. Because user behavior in SBC can affect the entire Terminal Server host, restrictions must be heavy on the user. User downloads, customizations, and modifications pose potential hazard to the entire shared environment. VDI users receive a fully isolated desktop with reduced potential to affect other users. Managing distributed enterprise desktops has become increasingly difficult and costly. Some of the challenges facing the administrators today include:
TCO / ROI Calculations and Comparisons
One of the goals of a VDI feasibility assessment is to determine the cost per virtual machine, for each user demographic. There are so many variables for the products that make up various VDI designs that it would be impossible to estimate a cost per virtual machine without first determining some base information, discovered during the assessment phase. The results of the research may show a number greater than, equal to, or less than current desktop solution estimates. As with any alternative desktop solution, cost comparison, accounting should be made for applicable hardware, software, deployment, testing and staging, application testing, back-up, support, and ongoing maintenance costs. SPS and Virtualization SPS is a systems integrator based in Rockville, MD with over 10 years of information technology experience. We are an authorized business partner for HP, IBM, Dell and other companies that provide technology solutions for the education market and in particular for the K-12 market. We have helped federal, state and local entities and commercial organizations since 1993 improve their IT operations and reach their business goals. We use virtualization technology ourselves to support SPS computing and our experienced staff and consultants have helped our clients investigate, assess and cost justify the use of virtualization. |
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Once educated on all of the benefits of a VDI architecture, some executives expect that they would have to pay a premium for this new desktop strategy when comparing to the current distributed desktop solution, but this is not necessarily the case. The actual cost per virtual machine varies depending on the products used to build the solution and cannot be calculated without further research and a willingness to look at all the cost involved including harder to quantify soft costs.