 - Desktop virtualization is the use of virtual machines to let multiple network subscribers maintain individualized desktops on a single, centrally located computer or server. The central machine may be at a residence, business or data center. Users may be geographically scattered but are all connected to the central machine by a proprietary local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) or the Internet.
Desktop virtualization offers advantages over the traditional model, in which every computer operates as a completely self-contained unit with its own operating system, peripherals and application programs. Overall expenses are reduced because resources can be shared and allocated to users on an as-needed basis. The integrity of user information is improved because all data is maintained and backed up in the data center. Conflicts in software are minimized by reducing the total number of programs stored on any given machine.
Despite the sharing of resources, all users can customize and modify their desktops to meet their specific needs. In this way, desktop virtualization offers improved flexibility compared with the simpler client/server paradigm.
Limitations of desktop virtualization include potential security risks if the network is not properly managed, some loss of user autonomy and privacy, challenges in setting up and maintaining drivers for printers and other peripherals, difficulty in running certain complex applications such as multimedia and problems keeping IP addresses on users' virtual machines matched with those at the data center.
Learn More About IT:
Galen Gruman explains how desktop virtualization works.
Visit the Desktop Virtualization Portal.
According to Jon Oltsik, 'Desktop virtualization is inevitable.'
| LAST UPDATED: |
02 Jun 2008
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