Desktop Virtualization & Private Cloud Systems

Definitions

Private clouds, sometimes called internal or corporate clouds, generally mean a virtualized computing architecture that provides internally hosted services to a closed group of users behind a private local firewall. Advances in thin-clients, virtualization and distributed computing have all allowed IT staff to more efficiently become internal service providers that meet the needs of their internal user community. Private cloud systems address the concern for organizations that want more control over their data than that which is possible by using third-party "public cloud" services.

You may also see the term "Hybrid Cloud" which is the combination of a private cloud and public cloud services.

Relationship of Private CLoud & Desktop Virtualization Infrastructure (VDI)

Think of the private cloud as the infrastructure. Within this cloud infrastructure is built the desktop and application virtualization layer. You may also see talk of hosted virtualization infrastructure (HDI) which nothing more than desktop virtualization in a public cloud.

What is Desktop Virtualization

Simply stated, it is the practice of hosting a desktop operating system on a centralized or remote server instead of on the user's personal workstation. Many companies are using this technology to save costs, increase security, and enable remote workers. The key point is that the "virtualized" desktop lives on a central server, instead of on the local storage of a remote client machine. When users work from their local machine (whether it is a typical PC, laptop, or thin client device), all of the programs, applications, processes, and data used are stored on the central server and all programs are run centrally on that same server. This allows users to run operating system and execute applications from numerous devices (smart phones, tablets, thin clients) with a variety of operating systems.

Watch a Video: Introduction to Desktop Virtualization A tongue-in-cheek, yet excellent introduction

Watch a Video: Microsoft Desktop Virtualization Overview A more serious look with a Microsoft Slant

Watch a Video: Vmware to demo virtual desktop infrastructure(VDI) VMware's version based on an interview at Interop 2008

Benefits

Cost
Recent studies (Visible Ops Private Cloud, Mann et. al. 2011) found that a private cloud is 40% less expensive than a public cloud for enterprises with significant IT resources already in place.

Agility
Agility is one of the key benefits of a private cloud. You can add and subtract resources as needed with little effort to keep applications running at peak performance thereby reaping productivity gains.

Desktop Virutalization - Eliminate the PC Workstation
One of the biggest IT expenses in any organization is desktop support. When an organization virtualizes the desktop on a private cloud system they can also eliminate the PC based desktops and replace them with secure and user incorruptible thin client devices. In so doing, you not only eliminate the expense of servicing the desktop, but also the cost of licensing and upgrades. Most thin-clients have no moving parts, boot instantly, have a tiny physical footprint, are setup in minutes instead of hours, and can be completely locked down to prevent data loss.

NO PC?Yes! No PC! No kidding. Using thin client devices from companies such as Wyse, you eliminate the bulky workstation and laptops that forever need updating and maintenance. But don't take our word for it, here are two articles on the subject, one from Forbes and the other from the Wall Street Journal. To see our line up of Wyse products, click here.

Gartner reports "that more than 70 million desktop units will be virtualized by 2014 as well as that 60 percent of SMBs they have surveyed plan to deploy virtual desktops within the next year¹"

Application virtualization
Virtualization of applications is another major cost benefit as now applications can be centralized on one server or a server cluster. When more resources are needed, such as memory or storage, these can be allocated in minutes. Patch and upgrade management are also more efficiently facilitated.

Remote Access is a snap
Once you move to a private cloud / virtual desktop infrastrucure, remote access is built in. No more leaving a workstation turned on and using 3rd party "goto-my--" applications that are cumbersome and leave you vulnerable to security breaches. You can access your cloud system from inside your office or halfway around the globe. Users love this because they always access their 'same' desktop whether home, at work, or on their iPad, iPhone or other mobile device.

Ease of Management
The centralized private cloud / Virtual desktop infrastructure lends itself to a high degree of automation and self management. For example, the systems that L4 Networks builds utilize a secure, fireproof and water proof tapeless backup system that is completely automated. Our U.S. based NOC staff monitors the cloud systems and after the initial installation we rarely need to come on site as all support is routinely handled remotely.

Learn more in this Private Cloud / Virtual Desktop Case Study.

Our Servers

L4 Networks builds high performance and highly reliable virtual desktop servers using Lenovo or Intel systems. These are custom configured server solutions that are designed and purposely built to perform the tasks needed in your network. When selecting a private cloud server, the 'one size fits all' approach is a sure method to over pay, get a server that does not perform well, or both. We configure each server to match the intended use in your network so you get an efficient solution tailored exactly to your needs at an affordable price. We also build and manage the rest of the private cloud infrastructure including racks, switches, firewall/routers, storage, battery backup and tapeless on and off-site storage.

How we do it. Our engineers are trained in Intel, Microsoft, VMware and Linux.We work with your IT specialists and/or with your application vendor and analyze numerous technical metrics depending on the specific roll the server will play. We also examine your budget targets, redundancy requirements, environmental considerations and related overall project goals. This results in a solid server specification for the hardware platform, related operating system and licensing configuration which are all specifically tuned to your exact needs. And since we are authorized Intel and Lenovo partners, we stand behind what we sell. Be sure to ask about our installation & on-going management services.

Summary

Private clouds and Virtual Desktops help companies get the benefits of the more elastic and flexible cloud computing model while reducing the concerns about lack of control over data, security, and adherence to regulatory and compliance items. Because you still own and control the private cloud, you will still need to invest in both infrastructure and expert resources to deploy and manage the private cloud. That is where we can help. L4 Networks builds and manages private clouds and the virtual desktop environment so you can concentrate on your business and realize the cost savings that accrue from a cloud based infrastructure.

¹Hosted Virtual Desktops, Worldwide, 2010-2014 (2010 Update),” December 1, 2010, Gartner, Inc. Report G00206728

We just don't talk about IT, we get IT done.^SM