Desktop Virtualization
Many systems used in the workplace today are for "Primary Office Tasks" - Word Processing, email, spreadsheets, etc. Even near-entry-level systems have more than enough computational capabilities for these types of use. Desktop Virtualization allows several users to make use of the excess power of a single computer. Often, these users will not even realize that they are not utilizing a stand-alone system. By virtualizing the desktop systems of these users, several advantages are gained:
- Better utilization of available resources
- Reduced downtime in the event of server or client issues
- Lower cost of deploying new applications
- Desktop Image-Management capabilities
- A longer refresh cycle for client desktop infrastructure
- Secure remote access to an enterprise desktop environment
In fact, when moving to a virtualized desktop environment, older systems can often be re-used as terminals, instead of requiring replacement. This is because of the efficient, fuller, use of computing power on the host system.