VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that enables virtual desktops to run on server-based infrastructure. The user gains remote access to a personal working environment, including the operating system, applications, and data, while all processing takes place in a data center or cloud.
VDI provides centralized management of workstations, enhances security, and simplifies IT-environment scaling. Unlike traditional desktops, where resources are limited by the user’s physical device, VDI allows computing power to be dynamically allocated among users.
Key components of VDI
VDI relies on several essential elements, each contributing to the delivery of a virtual desktop environment:
- a hypervisor that runs virtual machines with user desktops;
- server infrastructure with compute resources, memory, and storage systems;
- a connection broker, which links the user to their virtual machine;
- remote display protocols (such as PCoIP, RDP, HDX) that transmit the desktop image;
- client devices, which may include thin clients, laptops, or any device with a browser.
How it works and deployment models
VDI supports multiple deployment models, allowing organizations to align virtual environments with employee needs. The most common models are:
- Persistent VDI – each user receives a permanent virtual desktop that preserves personalized settings, files, and installed software.
- Non-persistent VDI – virtual machines are created dynamically and reset after each session. This model is useful for call centers, classrooms, and environments that do not require personalization.
- Desktop pools – sets of preconfigured templates that are automatically assigned to users.
This architecture enables centralized OS updates, security patching, access control, and rapid provisioning of new workspaces.
Where VDI is used
VDI is widely adopted by organizations that require secure access to corporate applications, standardized workstations, and reduced IT support workload. For example, a bank may deploy VDI so that employees can securely access their environment from any branch without risk of data leakage. A manufacturing company may use VDI to give engineers remote access to compute-intensive software. In healthcare, doctors can authenticate into virtual desktops to use a unified secure environment across clinics.
Examples
A company with a distributed network of branches deploys VDI to let employees securely access their workspaces from laptops or thin clients. Role-based configurations help segment access to applications and data. Another example is an educational institution that provides students with virtual desktops preconfigured with software for lab tasks. All updates are applied centrally, and desktops are not tied to any specific device.
FAQ
A technology for remote access to a desktop that runs in a data center rather than on the user’s local machine.
No. Most computing is done on the server — a thin client or standard laptop is sufficient.
RDP is a remote access protocol, whereas VDI is a full system with virtual machines, a connection broker, and centralized management.
In banking, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and distributed teams.
Yes. Data is not stored on local devices, and all processes are controlled within a centralized infrastructure.
