Desktop virtualization is one of those technologies you’ll wish you’d heard of sooner because it’s bound to solve some problems for your business, improving areas such as collaboration, your IT budget, and security.
A virtual desktop is stored on a remote server rather than locally on the device, as is typically standard in many office environments.
It separates the desktop operating system, applications, and data from the hardware and stores it in a private cloud environment. The remote server simulates the desktop capabilities, and users access it remotely over the internet, from any connected device.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of desktop virtualization and how implementing virtual desktops can help your business.
1. Simplified IT Management
With all of your business data and information stored in one central place, virtual desktops automatically eliminate any need to install, update, and patch applications, scan for viruses and back up files on each individual device. No longer does your IT department (or one-person team) need to go around to each of your employees and perform updates.
You’ll be able to extend the life of older devices with desktop virtualization since it relies on the virtual desktop network to run programs and applications instead of running on its own power.
2. Better Security
If you don’t have a virtual desktop environment, your employees walking around with their local devices are a security risk no matter how trustworthy they are. The device could get lost, stolen, or tampered with when they’re out of the office.
Desktop virtualization eliminates the risk of data loss or breach because none of the data is stored locally. For industries that require the highest level of privacy, like healthcare, virtual desktops allow medical professionals to access patient records without the risks or concerns about confidential information being shared inappropriately.
Another common problem desktop virtualization avoids is employees accidentally downloading malware from a spam email or a bad download link. The administrator of the virtual desktop can set permissions that will prevent such problems, giving everyone rare peace of mind when it comes to data security.
3. Increased Productivity
How many times have you been out of the office at a meeting and needed to access a document that you left sitting on your desk or your computer died on you unexpectedly, and you can’t access the file drive for the presentation?
Desktop virtualization allows you to access applications and files from multiple devices like a smartphone, other desktop computers, tablets, and laptops. Whether you’re in a different office, halfway across the globe, or just working from home, the virtual desktop lets you be productive from anywhere. 
4. Save Money on Labor
Virtual desktops will drastically reduce the time and money it takes to buy and set up new computers, and virtualization decreases management and support costs for your IT department.
If you think you need a bigger IT team to manage all of your devices, but can’t afford to hire more people, a virtual desktop can make it easier and more affordable to operate with a smaller team without compromising data security or the quality of your devices.
5. Reduced Downtime
Time is of the essence, time is money, and time is often spent waiting for the IT department to fix a hardware problem. But with a virtual desktop, there’s no downtime needed for users if the hardware fails.
If your device is defective, there’s no need to panic, because your virtual desktop system gives you the ability to log on from another device and continue working because none of the data is stored locally on the device.
6. Disaster Recovery
If your business is in an area that experiences severe weather that prevents your employees from safely coming into the office between the months of December and April, the virtual desktop environment allows your employees to pick up where they left off and work from home or wherever their car got stuck.
If a natural disaster happened near (or in) the office—or if the power just goes out—you don’t necessarily have to shut down business for the day. None of your data would be lost since it’s all virtually stored. Business can go on as usual.
7. Environmental Friendliness
Even if it isn’t your main goal, a virtual desktop can have the benefit of going green. With the traditional computing model, every business has a lot of hardware they need to deal with, which leads to wasted energy and equipment that is difficult to recycle or throw away.
Virtualization, however, reduces energy usage and the amount of equipment needed to function. It can also lead to a more digital operation, which ultimately saves space and waste with documents stored electronically instead of on paper while employees are commuting less and working from home more.
8. Affordable Scalability
If you have a small business, technology can be a huge expense, especially as your team grows. Most desktop virtualization software or services can be scaled to your needs. You don’t need as much storage space as a Fortune 500 company, and until your company becomes one, you can pay for the storage and services you need.
Experience the Benefits of Virtual Desktops with IMS Technology Group
Our mission is to help you organize, store, protect, and simplify your document and information management, whether that’s through helping you securely shred documents or setting up a virtual desktop environment that will solve key business problems.
Our team of trained professionals knows that revamping the way your business runs can be frustrating and difficult, but we’re here to help evaluate your needs and develop a customized solution for you. Contact us today.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT