VDI Setup Guide for ISVs in 2025

As software delivery continues to shift toward the cloud in 2025, many Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) are evaluating Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) as a method to provide secure, remote access to their Windows-based applications. While VDI can centralize control and enhance security, it’s not always the most efficient or cost-effective solution for ISVs.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a VDI setup involves, when it might be useful, and why GO-Global is a smarter, simpler alternative for ISVs delivering legacy or on-premise software.

What Is VDI?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a technology that hosts desktop environments on centralized servers and delivers them to end users over a network. Rather than installing software on each user’s device, ISVs can deploy their applications in a virtual environment that users access remotely.

VDI typically uses a combination of:

• A hypervisor (e.g., VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V)
  
  
• A connection broker (e.g., Citrix or Microsoft RDS)
  
  
• Client software for remote access

When a VDI Setup Makes Sense for ISVs

A VDI environment may be useful if your ISV:

• Needs to give remote users secure access to legacy Windows applications
  
  
• Is working with clients in highly regulated industries
  
  
• Supports users on a variety of endpoints (e.g., macOS, Linux, thin clients)
  
  
• Requires centralized control over app usage, updates, and licensing
  
  

However, VDI setups are often complex, costly, and more than what most ISVs need—especially if your main goal is simply to make an application accessible online.

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Basic Steps for a VDI Setup in 2025

1. Define User Needs

Clarify whether your users require full desktop environments or access to a single application. Most ISVs only need to publish a specific app.

2. Choose Infrastructure

Select your hypervisor and connection broker, and plan your server resources accordingly.

3. Create and Manage Virtual Machines

Build virtual desktops or application servers, configure OS settings, and assign user roles.

4. Secure the Environment

Implement multi-factor authentication, encryption, and firewall rules to ensure secure access.

5. Deploy and Support Users

Roll out access tools and provide ongoing support for session performance and troubleshooting.

A Smarter Alternative: GO-Global for ISVs

For ISVs, VDI can introduce unnecessary infrastructure and licensing burdens. That’s where GO-Global comes in—a lightweight, purpose-built solution designed to publish Windows applications over the web without the complexity of full virtual desktops.

Why ISVs Choose GO-Global Over VDI:

• Application-first delivery: Publish just the app, not a full desktop
  
  
• Simplified setup: No need for hypervisors, brokers, or layered licensing
  
  
• Lower cost: Reduced infrastructure and operational overhead
  
  
• Cross-platform access: Works on any OS or browser
  
  
• Preserves legacy code: Deliver existing applications without rewriting them
  
  

GO-Global helps ISVs modernize their delivery model while staying lean and agile—ideal for 2025’s demand for fast, secure, and scalable remote access.

Final Thoughts

While a full VDI setup offers flexibility, it often exceeds the needs of ISVs who simply want to make their applications accessible anywhere. If you’re looking to provide secure, high-performance remote access without overbuilding your infrastructure, GO-Global offers a faster, smarter path forward.

Are you an ISV exploring cloud-based application delivery? Contact us to learn how GO-Global can help you streamline software access for your end users. Or download a free trial to test it yourself.