How Does Virtual Desktop Work?

In today's cloud-connected world, access to a full desktop experience no longer requires being tied to a physical device in the office. Thanks to Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), employees and IT teams can deliver secure, scalable desktop environments to users anywhere. But how exactly does this technology work? And is it always the right fit for every use case?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Virtual Desktop Technology?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that enables users to access a desktop operating system and applications hosted on a centralized server. Instead of running software locally on a PC or laptop, users connect to a virtual machine (VM) that lives in a data center or the cloud.

Here’s how it works:

• An IT team sets up virtual desktops on centralized servers.
• Users access these desktops remotely, typically through a client app or web browser.
• The experience mirrors a physical desktop but is streamed from the server.
• IT has full control over security, updates, and user access.

The result is a consistent, secure, and flexible environment for employees—especially in large organizations with remote or hybrid workforces.

Top VDI Products: AVD vs. Citrix

When it comes to VDI solutions, a few names stand out. Two of the most popular enterprise-grade options are Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops).

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

• Provider: Microsoft
• Best For: Organizations already using Microsoft 365 and Azure.
• Strengths:
  • Deep integration with Microsoft services
  • Native support for Windows 11 multi-session
  • Flexible pricing based on Azure consumption
• Challenges:
  • Requires expertise with Azure infrastructure
  • Costs can rise quickly without optimization

Citrix DaaS

• Provider: Citrix
• Best For: Enterprises needing advanced user management and a highly customizable experience
• Strengths:
  • Granular control over sessions and policies
  • High-performance remote access (HDX protocol)
  • Multi-cloud support
• Challenges:
  • Licensing can be complex
  • Higher total cost of ownership for smaller organizations

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Best Use Case: Enterprise Employees Needing Full Remote Desktop Access

VDI shines in enterprise environments where employees need access to full desktop environments, regardless of location or device. Examples include:

• Global workforces accessing secure, centralized desktops
• Contractors or temporary employees requiring controlled access
• Industries with strict compliance needs (e.g., finance, healthcare)

VDI ensures consistency, centralized management, and high security—all major advantages for IT departments managing hundreds or thousands of users.

When VDI Is Overkill: ISVs Delivering Applications to Clients

Here’s the reality: VDI isn’t always the best tool for the job.

For Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who simply want to deliver an application to their end users, spinning up full virtual desktops for every client is often unnecessary, expensive, and overly complex.

That’s where alternatives like GO-Global come in.

GO-Global: A Simpler Alternative for ISVs

GO-Global is a lightweight, cost-effective solution that lets you publish just your application, not an entire desktop. It’s designed specifically for software vendors who want to host their Windows apps in the cloud and make them accessible from anywhere—without the need for virtual desktops.

Why ISVs Love GO-Global:

• Lower Cost: Priced per concurrent user
• No VDI Infrastructure Required: No need for Azure, Citrix, or complex infrastructure management
• Faster Deployment: Get your app online in hours, not days
• User-Friendly: End users simply launch the app in their browser—no learning curve

If you're an ISV whose customers just need access to your application, not a full Windows environment, GO-Global is a smart choice.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Tool for the Job

VDI is a powerful technology, especially for large enterprises managing distributed teams or strict compliance requirements. Solutions like AVD and Citrix offer robust functionality but come with significant cost and complexity.

However, not every scenario calls for full virtual desktops.

ISVs, in particular, should consider simpler solutions like GO-Global, which deliver cloud-hosted applications without the VDI overhead. It’s faster to deploy, easier to manage, and much more cost-effective when you’re not looking to replicate the entire desktop experience.

In short:

• Use VDI when you need secure, full desktop environments at scale
• Choose GO-Global when your goal is simply to deliver a Windows application to users in the cloud

Picking the right solution saves time, money, and frustration—while delivering the best experience to your users.

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