Virtual desktops are at the forefront of productivity. They allow users the ability to store information on remote servers and thereby access their apps, icons, programs and documents from anywhere in the world, and on any device available. This then allows employees, and business owners, access to all necessary documents and programs from the comfort of their home, PCs or cellular phones.
Components
While the virtual desktop concept might seem complicated, the reality of it is engaging businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. The questions then are, “How does a virtual desktop work?” and, “What are the components?” Look no further for the answer:
- Windows 7 OS: Is an operating system that allows for virtual hard disks and a number of other new features.
- Windows 2008/2012 Datacenter License: The 2008 version requires a processor and client access license (CAL) whereas the 2012 edition only requires CALs for all users (they come in packs of 1 to 5). Licensure is essential to utilizing the benefits of a virtual desktop.
- Office 2010/2013: This is a suite of bundled applications that share common features, allowing projects to be integrated between apps.
- Remote Desktop License: This manages your remote desktop services. It allows you to issue, install and track your CALs. It won’t allow more users or sessions than you have licenses for.
- Unidesk License: Claims to be “stupid easy” to use. In addition, its remote desktops services are quick at virtualization and eliminate the need for excessive storage.
- Antivirus: This is essential, as you don’t always know where your information is being stored and who has access to it. Antivirus virtual security is agentless and provides security for your public and private “clouds.”
- Adobe: Created to print, manage, view and manipulate files in Portable Document Format (PDF).
- Java: A fast, safe and dependable computing platform and programming language. Used by more sites and businesses than you probably realize.
- Google Apps: A hosted service that provides users with a group of applications on one domain, yours. So, you’ll have access to mail, talk, docs and calendar all via Google.
- 24 x 7 x 365 Support: You are never alone.
- Custom Applications Provided by Client: The virtual desktop server is supremely flexible to fit all your application needs.
- Backup and recovery of previous versions of the virtual desktop or user profile data: No worries about losing data or hours of research.
- Redundancy across 2 datacenters: The service is the same all the time.
What’s Not Included?
Given the previously discussed components, it seems wholly prudent to provide you with an explanation of those things that will not be included in your virtual desktop investment. Virtual desktops will not include:
- Customized applications that are not Microsoft based. These applications will need to be purchased and provide by the client.
- Additional Microsoft applications that are required by the client, like, a Microsoft Visio License. There would be an incremental cost per month to the virtual desktop server.
- Hourly or project based consulting fees that require additional work outside the scope of the contract.
There you have it, all you need to know about the components and necessities of a virtual desktop!
