Desktop virtualization is a game changing technology that can reduce IT operational costs while increasing efficiency and agility in desktop management, says Info-Tech Research Group. 30% of IT leaders have plans to implement a Desktop Virtualization solution by the end of 2010.
“IT departments typically invest significant time, effort, and budget into the acquisition, configuration, deployment and support of PCs on desktops,” said John Sloan, senior research analyst for Info-Tech Research Group. “Desktop virtualization changes the game from distributed asset management to efficient desktop service delivery.”
In desktop virtualization end users access virtual PCs that are hosted on a server. These virtual PCs can be accessed from a traditional workstation, a home PC, a laptop or a thin client terminal. Increased speed and efficiency in desktop and application deployment, improved data security, and significant reduction in desk-side support costs are key benefits.
“In a tough economy every IT shop has to stop and re-evaluate how they spend and whether they freeze, cut or decide to spend smarter,” said Sloan. “With desktop virtualization corporate IT can look to get out of the complex and costly distributed PC asset management business.”
Info-Tech Research Group’s study of desktop virtualization included over 200 survey responses and more than 30 interviews of IT leaders worldwide. Most implementers do not anticipate large upfront capital cost savings from desktop virtualization however there are areas of potential advantage such as extending the life of older workstations.
“Three quarters of survey respondents do anticipate that the total deployment cost per desktop will be less than traditional PC deployment,” said Sloan. “However those costs need to be carefully assessed as there are potential higher cost drivers such as server hardware and licensing.”
Early adopters of desktop virtualization ranked their deployments as very successful. They report a high degree of satisfaction with the performance of their virtual desktop environments, as well as efficiency gains in desktop and application deployment and maintenance.
About the Study:
Info-Tech Research Group’s impact research study “The Rise of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure” provides valuable insights and tools for organizations considering desktop virtualization. The associated tools include “Virtual Desktop Appropriateness Assessment Tool” and the “TCO per Virtual Desktop Tool”. The included tools enable organizations to determine if desktop virtualization is for them and for which users, and how much it could cost.