In the previous section, we explained what Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is and what we believe are its most important advantages.
But how different is it from an RDS (Remote Desktop Services) environment and which one is ultimately suitable in each case?
As we mentioned, VDI involves users running on virtual computers via Virtual Machines (VMs) hosted in one or more Data Centers (DC).
In a VDI infrastructure, each user has a dedicated VM on which they can run an operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.), providing the flexibility of an isolated environment.
Applications can be installed or removed very easily as there is centralized management of these VMs. VDI is also particularly useful when businesses deal with critical and confidential data that requires separation.
RDS (Remote Desktop Services), on the other hand, refers to the capabilities of Microsoft Windows Server that allow users to have remote access to applications and Windows virtual computers. Users access the resources located on RDS servers through shared virtual machines.
But what are the main differences between the two environments
In a VDI environment, a group of virtual desktops is created using some Virtualization software.
In contrast, RDS is limited to only Windows Server, while VDI can utilize any operating system or any application.
RDS runs on a single Server and users access it via a network connection and Remote Desktop Protocol. In VDI, each user gets their own VM. This allows for the uniqueness (to a certain extent) of each VM and the installed applications.
Management is dramatically simplified with VDI, as each VM is created and updated from a primary Image. When using RDS, the desktop you configure on the server creates multiple Sessions that are presented to users with all the relevant applications and data. In VDI we have the ability to have multiple different modified environments. This allows each workgroup to have only the necessary applications and modifications.
But what are the advantages of RDS?
Simplicity
RDS is simpler to set up and new users can be added in minutes.
In VDI, on the other hand, you need a specialized internal team or external IT services to set up and manage the various virtual machines and systems.
Reduced cost
The licensing cost for RDS solutions is minimized and the requirements for servers and other hardware can be lower.
Easier maintenance
RDS maintenance is often faster and easier.
Since VDI has significantly more components to manage and maintain, it also increases the difficulty of maintenance. However, it is important to mention again that many tasks can be done without the end user understanding anything. This means that even complex maintenance can ultimately have a significant difference in the Downtime of services during any tasks.
Let’s also look at the negatives of RDS:
Infrastructure performance
If a large number of users use the system simultaneously, it can cause significant problems in the performance of the infrastructure.
Operating and application limitations
As we mentioned, it is required to have Microsoft Windows operating system installed on the Server and Remote Desktop Protocol on the Client. Also, many applications that may not be compatible with the installed versions / operating systems are very likely not to be able to run correctly.
Personalization
There is minimal possibility for personalization of the service as all users use the same system and this makes them captive to a single choice.
Based on what we have said, who is the “winner”?
As in many cases in life, here too, “one shoe fits all” cannot stand. If you want something economical, with many users working on the same or similar applications and without high performance requirements, then RDS can be the solution to the equation.
If on the other hand you want a substantial solution with all the benefits we mentioned above in order to upgrade the quality of your services, such as:
Then VDI is the answer and in the long run it will prove to be worth this initial investment.