The term virtualization has become synonymous with capital expense (Capex) savings through server consolidation. As the buzz around desktop virtualization grows, more organizations are examining its use cases. One of the first steps in evaluating the solution should be setting realistic expectations of where a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) implementation will save.
VDI: Opex vs Capex
Unlike server virtualization, desktop virtualization does not promise fewer physical devices. Users still need access to terminals on the desktop: a repurposed PC or some form of thin client. Where the two types of virtualization are similar is in that they provide a centralized means of managing IT assets – virtual and physical.