The Showdown: VDI vs. VM?

According to Allied Market Research Company, the cloud-based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)  market was valued at $3.6 million in 2016. Now, it has a projected value of roughly $10 million by 2023. Furthermore, cloud-based VDI is expected to see continual growth even after 2023. This growth is primarily due to the global adoption of technological devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops being used for work-related computing. With the current and tremendous growth potential of VDI computing forecasted for the future, it’s no wonder businesses have been trying to get a grasp on cloud-based VDI. If you are one of the many businesses that have been researching VDI, Then, you probably have stumbled across comparisons between VDI and VM(Virtual Machine).

What is VDI and VM? Are they the same? What are the different uses? Benefits? All those unanswered questions are enough to make anyone’s head spin. But don’t worry, we have you covered. 

       What is VDI And VM?

  • VDI – establishes a virtual environment that is housed on a server and is stored remotely. VDI  categorizes each server into many different virtual desktops. This allows the user to be able to gain access to their desktops all while in a remote location. 
  • VM – A VM or virtual machine is a tool that uses software rather than actual physical hardware such as computers to utilize programs. The VM has the ability to take a chunk out of your computer power to run a separate computer. As a result, you could switch back and forth between Mac and PC.

       VDI Uses And Benefits

  • VDI For Remote Work – VDI is a popular choice among businesses whose staff is working remotely. This is due to employees being no longer tied down to a physical desk and computer. Instead, they can access their desktops from any location. Employees can access documents, files, paperwork, and share information to fellow colleagues just like they would if they were in the physical office.
  • VDI For Highly Secure Businesses – Industries such as legal, healthcare and financial sectors all have one similar characteristic, they all store and have access to enormous amounts of confidential client data. Therefore, Security and data protection is vital. With VDI, data is stored remotely in a centralized location. How does that increase security? By VDI servers being in a remote location, it creates a sense of protection for the business. They have a bit of a ‘safety net’ . If businesses find themselves having server issues on their work computer/laptop, they run a very high risk of losing some, if not all of their data. VDI allows businesses to back-up their data and allows users to access information from numerous devices, remotely.

       VM Uses And Benefits

  • VM Fosters Experimentation -With VM, it allows users the ability to use and experience another operating software. For example, let’s look at Android and Iphone; Typically, when a user has an android phone it is equipped with Android software and applications. Those users only have access to Android software and apps. However, with VDI, android can house iphone software into the VM. As a result, Android users are no longer restricted to Android-only software and apps. Instead, Android users will  have access and ability to use the Iphone operating system and apps. This allows users to have a sense of freedom and flexibility. They can now have two operating systems and decide which operating system is better suited for them. By having more options, work processes can be improved.
  • Suitable For Small-Sized Businesses – In comparison, large-sized businesses have financial strength over small-sized businesses. The financial gap between large-sized businesses and small-sized businesses is quite substantial in terms of resources. Smaller-sized companies generally have fewer employees, workstations/computing devices and smaller operational structures. With VM, separate desktops can be assigned to each user. Now, multiple users can have access to what they need. All while using one computer.

So whether you’re working in-office, fully remote or have a hybrid work plan, DHI  Workspaces can provide the support and services suited for your business needs. DHI Workspaces is scalable, flexible, and secure. Providing users with frequent data backups, security encryptions and attentive round-the-clock IT support.