It is obvious that we are in the center of a universal technology shift. With that being said, cloud computing, fueled by the move to 100% virtualized environments, represents an enormous platform change that is altering the current situation of IT. As this continues to gain momentum, IT strategies must be defined, planned against, and implemented in the context of this new world order versus continuing IT paradigms. Desktop virtualization, or VDI, is a buzz word that has been floating around the IT community for quite a while now. A virtual solution is a cloud application that replaces physical resources with Web-based application interfaces. For example, this allows a user to log into their desktop (virtual, of course) via the Web browser or smart device app and be able to access their files, documents, music, and whatever else is stored in their cloud-based desktop. Here are 5 benefits of desktop virtualization:
1. The Mobile Trend
Virtualization is quickly changing and improving the way people are able to do business. The world has gone mobile, and businesses need to keep up. Solutions like Desktop as a Service allow for businesses to be more flexible in how they complete work. Our CloudDesktop solution allows users to access their applications and data on any computing device, in any location on the globe. All that’s required is Internet access and you’ll be up and running with the same ease you experience with your office computer. You don’t need to be chained to the workplace anymore and you don’t need to rely on flash drives and email to transfer your data from one place to another.
It’s easier than ever to complete work away from the office, and businesses that are taking advantage of this are giving themselves a competitive edge. You can bring your familiar computer environment with you on your tablet, smartphone, desktop, Zero Client or any other device you can think of. Desktop virtualization is handing you the opportunity to be more flexible and productive, because now you can be mobile. Stay constantly connected to your data and coworkers while having the freedom to take advantage of business opportunities outside of the office. Your business will grow with the capabilities of virtualization.
2. Major Cost Savings
Desktop virtualization is also contributing to major cost savings that businesses experience with cloud computing. Saving money is a plus to any company. With virtual cloud solutions, you move from a CapEx model to OpEx. What does this mean exactly? Simply, you eliminate up front capital expenses for equipment, hardware, storage, maintenance, extra personnel…the list goes on and on. Rather, you experience a pay-as-you-go model that allows you to pay based on your usage of cloud resources. Think of it like paying your water bill. It’s not the same amount every month. Instead, it’s based on how much water you use. This is the same idea. You remain in control of your spending and you receive a solution customized to your ever-changing needs.
Additionally, when you work with a cloud provider, they purchase, install, store and maintain the resources necessary to run your network and applications. That eliminates those costs on your end. Our CloudDesktop solution saves business loads of money by doing this. You simply purchase space on equipment that we own, rather than buying it all yourself.
3. Top Notch Security
While many businesses still feel iffy about the security of virtualization, the capabilities of the cloud have strengthened recently in this regard. The security you experience depends on the provider you choose, so it’s important to find one that you trust and that can give you the reassurance you need. When you decide to move into the cloud, your data is the most sensitive and important thing, and we definitely understand that. We treat your data like it contains top-secret information and we certainly don’t want any unwanted visitors. Because of this, we offer the highest quality security, router, switches and monitoring to make sure your cloud remains your cloud. With RapidScale’s solutions, customer data and programs are stored in secure Tier 3, Class 1 data centers that feature numerous strict security policies. These include on-premises guards, key card protocol, biometric scanners, digital surveillance and recording, and exterior security systems. Our servers are constantly backed up and protected with full redundancy. We have Cisco and SonicWALL firewalls – these are the leading solutions to protect your files. You can also enlist a full-scale monitoring team to keep an eye on your system at all times. With our solutions, you control who accesses your sensitive data.
4. Disaster Recovery
The cloud is also an amazing Disaster Recovery plan. Ask yourself this question: if a disaster hit your business right now, would you be able to recover? A recent study discovered that 90% of businesses could fail within five working days unless they are able to continue doing business after a disaster.
While we hope this never happens to you, it’s something you need to plan for. Waiting too long means risking your business. Many organizations today are too vulnerable to disasters. With the full redundancy that our virtualization solutions provide, you can protect yourself. Imagine that a major disaster occurs and one data center goes into the water. Our other centers pick up where it left off and continue running as normal thanks to virtualization, while you experience minimal downtime. In addition, with your information stored virtually in the cloud location, it cannot be harmed by the physical events your location is vulnerable to.
Our CloudRecovery solution allows your business to stay in touch with its clients, employees and data, which is essential for you to continue working in any situation. Better yet, your plan can be as simple or complex as you want, as it can be customized to your exact needs.
5. Environmentally Friendly
The nature of desktop virtualization increases an organization’s ability to be green. With traditional computing, every business deals with its own hardware. This leads to wasted energy and equipment. With virtualization, on the other hand, businesses are reducing energy usage and the amount of equipment needed. As business information is virtualized, the need for the extra resources is reduced drastically. Virtual workspaces are accessed via the Internet and through our data centers that operate efficiently due to multi-tenancy and the latest technology and equipment.
Additionally, virtualization leads to digital operations. As businesses embrace cloud computing and all of the capabilities it provides, things are quickly moving online. This ultimately saves energy, waste and space as telecommuting becomes possible and documents are stored electronically rather than printed on paper. Join the green movement with the help of desktop virtualization.
