What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Hosted Virtual Desktop?
Are you considering using a hosted virtual desktop in your office? Read here to learn the pros and cons of virtual work spaces to see if they will work for you!
Keyword(s): hosted virtual desktop
Gartner Research Firm estimates the hosted virtual desktop industry to be nearly $300 Billion worldwide and growing. There's a reason for this rapid and pronounced growth.
But is this technology right for you? Let's explore the top 3 pros and cons of this technology.
Pro #1: Streamline Management of Applications
Even though each member of a team may have their own computer to work on, most people are using the same applications (programs).
These applications are often cloud-based and need to update in real time as multiple team members work on the program.
In the old days, your IT people had to go around and install these programs on each individual computer. When a program needed an update or went berserk, you had to take care of it on each computer.
You needed IT staff in-house to do this.
A hosted virtual desktop allows you to do all of this in a central location. Then when people log into through their workstations (desktops), they all have access to the same, fully updated information.
This can cut IT management costs by 30-50%.
They can even access it from home or on certain devices on a secure network if you have them set up to do so.
Con #1: Some People Need Unique Applications
Most companies have a small percentage of employees, often managers, who need unique applications. For these individuals, you will need to install applications on their computers.
But they're the exception, not the rule.
Pro #2: Hardware Costs More Manageable
Because the programs aren't on the individual computers, it's easier to take a computer out of service to repair it. Simply replace it with another one. When the fixed one is ready to re-enter the workforce, simply assign it elsewhere.
This helps cut employee downtime and the number of backups you need on hand.
Additionally, you need fewer computers for larger teams. If you have a team of 20 and 1 in 20 is always out, you only need 19 computers on the floor. Each team member can log in on any computer.
Con #2: Less Personalization
Some employees really like having their own desktop wallpaper, shortcuts, favorites, etc. What you gain in efficiency you do lose is personalization.
You can certainly encourage employees to make up for this elsewhere.
Pro # 3: Trouble-Shoot All in One Place
Instead of having to spend time on the phone or floor with a single user, most trouble-shooting will happen on the cloud-based server that houses all of the programs used by each hosted virtual desktop.
Con# 3: Multiple Users Affected
While it's easier to maintain a single server versus programs on 100's of computers, challenges can arise. When they do, it affects all of the users who use that application.
But the good news is that once it's fixed, it's fixed for all.
Hosted Virtual Desktops Make Sense
If you have several employees accessing the same programs, then a hosted virtual desktop will help you slash costs and streamline processes. You no longer need an in-house IT team or expensive custom-built servers to do this.
You will sacrifice some personalization and some employees will need their own applications. But overall, virtual desktops help businesses run more efficiently.
To learn more about how we can help you explore your hosted virtual options, contact us today.
